One-step synthesis of Ni3S2 nanoparticles wrapped with in situ generated nitrogen-self-doped graphene sheets with highly improved electrochemical properties in Li-ion batteries

Abstract

A facile strategy has been developed to fabricate Ni₃S₂ nanoparticles wrapped with in situ generated N-doped graphene sheets (Ni₃S₂@N-G). In this strategy, the nitrogen and sulfur-containing resin is introduced as a sulfur source to form the Ni₃S₂ nanoparticles and to provide a source of nitrogen and carbon to grow a coating of N-doped graphene sheets on their surface. As an anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), Ni₃S₂@N-G exhibits a highly improved reversible capacity, as well as an excellent cycling performance and rate performance. It delivers a discharge capacity of up to 809 mA h g⁻¹ in the 150^th cycle. With the successful synthesis of Ni₃S₂@N-G as a starting point, this facile strategy can be used to synthesize other metal sulfides/graphene sheets nanocomposites and will immensely extend its applications.