A nanowire-on-microrod polyaniline@FeS2 hybrid as the cathode in high-performance Al-ion batteries

Abstract

A nanowire-on-microrod structured polyaniline (PANI)@FeS₂ hybrid was developed via a facile metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived chemical method. The in situ grown PANI nanowires on the surface of pyramidal FeS₂ microrods displayed better mechanical flexibility and improved Al-storage performance. The PANI nanowires not only enhanced electron transfer during the electrochemical reaction, but also accommodated the volume expansion of FeS₂ during discharge. The PANI@FeS₂ hybrid as the cathode in AIBs delivered a reliable battery capacity of 152.8 mA h g⁻¹ along with a Coulombic efficiency of >96.5% after 500 cycles at a current density of 1.5 A g⁻¹. In addition, a high capacity retention of 160.2 mA h g⁻¹ after 150 cycles at 0.5 A g⁻¹ at −10 °C was achieved. These findings provide a feasible strategy by constructing a nanowire-on-microrod hybrid that can be applied in high-performance secondary batteries.