Hierarchical porous Cu2ZnSnS4 films for high-capacity reversible lithium storage applications

Sulphide-based materials have attracted much attention as high performance electrode candidates for lithium batteries. However, a serious irreversible capacity decay after the first cycle of such materials inhibits their widespread applications in rechargeable batteries. In this work, a highly porous (3D) quaternary Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) film was synthesized through a facile solution pyrolysis method. An initial discharge capacity of 1154 mA h g−1 and a stabilised value of about 680 mA h g−1 after 40 cycles at a current rate of 100 mA g−1 were achieved. Such significantly improved capacity and stability (especially for the first several cycles) indicate the great advantages of this 3D nanostructured CZTS electrode for advanced secondary lithium batteries.