Atomic-scale observation of electrochemically reversible phase transformations in SnSe₂ single crystals

2D materials have shown great promise to advance next-generation lithium-ion battery technology. Specifically, tin-based chalcogenides have attracted widespread attention because lithium insertion can introduce phase transformations via three types of reactions—intercalation, conversion, and alloying—but the corresponding structural changes throughout these processes, and whether they are reversible, are not fully understood. Here, the first real-time and atomic-scale observation of reversible phase transformations is reported during the lithiation and delithiation of SnSe₂ single crystals, using in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy complemented by first-principles calculations. Lithiation proceeds sequentially through intercalation, conversion, and alloying reactions (SnSe₂ → Li_xSnSe₂ → Li₂Se + Sn → Li₂Se + Li₁₇Sn₄) in a manner that maintains structural and crystallographic integrity, whereas delithiation forms numerous well-aligned SnSe₂ nanodomains via a homogeneous deconversion process, but gradually loses the coherent orientation in subsequent cycling. Furthermore, alloying and dealloying reactions cause dramatic structural reorganization and thereby consequently reduce structural stability and electrochemical cyclability, which implies that deep discharge for Sn chalcogenide electrodes should be avoided. Overall, the findings elucidate atomistic lithiation and delithiation mechanisms in SnSe₂ with potential implications for the broader class of 2D metal chalcogenides.