Large-scale urchin-like micro/nano-structured NiS: controlled synthesis, cation exchange and lithium-ion battery applications

Abstract

Large-scale uniform urchin-like nickel sulfide (NiS) was successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method under moderate conditions. A mixture of ethylenediamine and ethylene glycol was used as solvent. A complex obtained using a simple method was used as a precursor. Based on the results for nickel sulfide (NiS), multiple sulfides were synthesized by a method based on morphology and replication. Outstanding features were obtained such as composition regulation, i.e., the main physical properties of the product can be adjusted under mild conditions without changing the morphology. Multiple sulfides were synthesized through ion-exchange reaction to achieve morphology transfer. The products were assembled as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries to test discharge/charge performance. The first discharge/charge performance ranged from 314.8 to 597.3 mAh g⁻¹. This result indicated that the composition and performance of the materials can be regulated by changing the central metal ion without changing the morphology.