Building three-dimensional carbon nanotubes-interwoven Ni3S2 micro-nanostructures for improved sodium storage performance. (10th April 2020) - Zhou, Shengping
Abstract: A novel porous micro-nanostructure based on nickel disulfide (Ni3 S2 ) nanoparticles interconnected with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been synthesized through a facile vulcanization with sulphur in the Ar + H2 (5%) atmosphere at 550 °C. The superior structural integrity of the Ni3 S2 /CNTs composites with abundant mesopores can be controlled by adjusting the amount of CNTs. The CNTs not only homogenously embed into every micro-nanostructure but also bridge between micro-nanostructures to form excellent integral conductive network. In the electrode, every Ni3 S2 /CNTs unit has a micro-nanostructure, resulting in fast transportation of ions and electrons. The experimental proofs reveal that the stable solid electrolyte interphase films on the outer surface of micro-nanostructures can assure the high columbic efficiencies and prevent the polysulfides shuttle effect, which plays an important role in the excellent cycling performance. The charge capacity retention of the Ni3 S2 /CNTs-10 electrode is up to 82.2% after 200 cycles at the current density of 0.5 A g −1 . It shows a high initial coulombic efficiency (up to 83.2%) and stable voltage platforms at different current densities, suggesting that the Ni3 S2 /CNTs micro-nanostructure is a promising applicable anode candidate for sodium ion batteries.