Embedding heterostructured MnS/Co1−xS nanoparticles in porous carbon/graphene for superior lithium storage

Abstract

Metal sulfides are regarded as promising anode materials for developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical specific capacity and intrinsic safety. However, poor electrical conductivity and drastic volume change during lithiation hamper their practical application. This study reports the synthesis of hollow cube-like composites consisting of heterostructured MnS/Co_1−xS nanoparticles embedded in electrically conductive carbon@reduced graphene oxide (MnS/Co_1−xS@C@rGO) obtained from a GO-coated mixed metal-cyanide coordination polymer precursor. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of different components and the unique hierarchically hollow architecture, the MnS/Co_1−xS@C@rGO-600 composites evaluated as anode materials exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1018 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ and 723 mA h g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g⁻¹. The combination of the convenient synthesis strategy and excellent lithium storage performance makes MnS/Co_1−xS@C@rGO-600 composites a promising anode material for high-performance LIBs.