Three-dimensional-networked NiCo2S4 nanosheet array/carbon cloth anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

We present the design and synthesis of three-dimensional (3D)-networked NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheet arrays (NSAs) grown on carbon cloth along with their novel application as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The relatively small (~60%) volumetric expansion of NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheets during the lithiation process was confirmed by in situ transmission electron microscopy and is attributed to their mesoporous nature. The 3D network structure of NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheets offers the additional advantages of large surface area, efficient electron and ion transport capability, easy access of electrolyte to the electrode surface, sufficient void space and mechanical robustness. The fabricated electrodes exhibited outstanding lithium-storage performance including high specific capacity, excellent cycling stability and high rate of performance. A reversible capacity of~1275 mAh g − 1 was obtained at a current density of 1000 mA g − 1 , and the devices retained~1137 mAh g − 1 after 100 cycles, which is the highest value reported to date for electrodes made of metal sulfide nanostructures or their composites. Our results suggest that 3D-networked NiCo 2 S 4 NSA/carbon cloth composites are a promising material for electrodes in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. INTRODUCTIONRechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most widely used electrochemical energy storage devices because of their inherent advantages including high energy density, long life span, lack of memory effect and environmental nontoxicity. 1-3 The increasing applications of LIBs in daily electronic devices-along with industry demands for further improvement in energy density, durability, rate capability and safety-have driven the development of new electrode materials and new electrode structures. [4][5][6][7] Among the great variety of anode materials studied, metal oxides (MOs) and metal sulfides ( 21 have been synthesized and offer superior electrochemical energy storage capacity compared with bulk MSs. However, the large volumetric change of MS nanostructures during electrochemical reactions leads to reduced capacity and poor cycling stability. Moreover, the necessary addition of conductive additives and binders inevitably lessens overall energy

Mixed Metal Sulfides for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

“…Zou et al investigated the lithium storage properties of NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheet arrays on CC (NiCo 2 S 4 NSA/CC), which were synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal process. [222] Figure 5g shows that these highly ordered nanosheets are interconnected with each other, providing large void space. The nanosheets are very thin with a thickness of ≈10 nm.…”

“…Panels (g-i): Reproduced with permission. [222] Copyright 2015, Nature Publishing Group. Panels (j-l): Reproduced with permission.…”

“…[217][218][219][220][221][222] The 3D network structure of nanoarrays offers the benefits of enlarged surface area, shortened electron/ion transport pathways, sufficient void space, fast and easy electrolyte penetration, and mechanical robustness. Zou et al investigated the lithium storage properties of NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheet arrays on CC (NiCo 2 S 4 NSA/CC), which were synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal process.…”

Macroscopic‐Scale Three‐Dimensional Carbon Nanofiber Architectures for Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices

“…Hence, considerable research efforts have been focused on developing ternary metal oxides/ sulfide-based 3D CNF nanostructures. Some ternary transition-metal oxides or sulfides, such as ZnCo 2 O 4 nanowire, [145] cobalt sulfide (Co 9 S 8 ) nanorods, [121] CoS 2 nanowire arrays, [146] Co 9 S 8 nanorod@Ni(OH) 2 nanosheet, [147] NiCo 2 S 4 nanosheet arrays, [148] NiCo 2 O 4 nanowire, [149] CoMoO 4 nanowire arrays, [150] and Co 3 O 4 @NiCo 2 O 4 [151] are successfully grown on carbon cloth to construct novel 3D CNF networks by the facile hydrothermal method. Besides, MoS 2 nanoflake arrays, [152] NiCo 2 S 4 nanotube arrays, [153] NiCo 2 O 4 @polypyrrole coaxial nanowires [154] can be also grown on carbon cloth in a solvothermal route.…”

Porous NiCo2S4 Networks as Electrodes for Electrochemical Supercapacitors

“…As we all know electrochemical capacitor, also called supercapacitor, as an energy storage device has attracted enormous attention due to its extremely high electrical conductivity, high power density, long cycling life and environmental nontoxicity. [1][2][3][4] Depending on the energy storage mechanism, electrochemical capacitors can be divided into two types: electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudocapacitors. [5][6][7] EDLCs store energy in the electrostatic¯eld that is between the electrode active materials and the electrolyte.…”