Three-dimensional antimony sulfide anode with carbon nanotube interphase modified for lithium-ion batteries

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries due to its high capacity and vast reserves. However, the low electronic conductivity and severe volume change during cycling hinder its commercialization. Herein our work, a three-dimensional (3D) Sb2S3 thin film anode was fabricated via a simple vapor transport deposition system by using natural stibnite as raw material and stainless steel fiber-foil (SSF) as 3D current collector, and a carbon nanotube interphase was introduced onto the film surface by a simple dropping-heating process to promote the electrochemical performances. This 3D structure can greatly improve the initial coulombic efficiency to a record of 86.6% and high reversible rate capacity of 760.8 mAh center dot g(-1) at 10 C. With carbon nanotubes interphase modified, the Sb2S3 anode cycled extremely stable with high capacity retention of 94.7% after 160 cycles. This work sheds light on the economical preparation and performance optimization of Sb2S3-based anodes.

Automated summary

In this study, a 3D Sb2S3 thin film anode was successfully fabricated using natural stibnite and stainless steel fiber-foil, with the introduction of a carbon nanotube interphase to improve electrochemical performance. The modified Sb2S3 anode showed enhanced initial coulombic efficiency and stable cycling performance with high capacity retention.