Plate-like SnS₂ nanostructures (such as stacked nanoplates and individual nanoplates) have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions without using any additive. Experimental parameters, such as reaction temperature and precursor concentration, play crucial roles in determining the morphologies and phase of final products. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the stacked SnS₂ nanoplates has also been discussed, based on the influence of the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth. Morevoer, electrochemical measurements indicate the morphology-depending electrochemical properties of SnS₂ materials in the application of lithium-ion batteries and the synthesized SnS₂ nanomaterials could be expected to be potentially used in lithium ion batteries.