Micro/nano-structured SnS2 was prepared by a hydrothermal method using biomolecular l-cysteine and SnCl4·5H2O as sulfur source and tin source, respectively. The electrochemical performances of SnS2 electrodes were investigated using water-soluble binders of carboxymethyl chitosan (C-chitosan) and chitosan lactate, and compared with the conventional water-soluble sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and non-aqueous polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). SnS2 electrode using the water-soluble binders (C-chitosan, chitosan lactate, and CMC) showed higher initial coulombic efficiency, larger reversible capacity, and better rate capabilities than that of PVDF. In addition, SnS2 electrode using C-chitosan binder exhibited somewhat worse cycling stability, but better rate capability at a high rate of 5C than CMC.
