Construction of FeS2@C coated with reduced graphene oxide as high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Pyrite (FeS2) is known for one alternative to the promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) on account of the low price, friendliness to environment and comparable higher theoretical capacity. Nonetheless, its long-term cycling performance is still not satisfied. In our present work, a FeS2@carbon composite coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (rGO@FeS2@C) was synthesized to settle this problem. With the addition of rGO, the huge volume change was relieved and the big pulverization was also alleviated. When applied as the anode material for LIBs, the rGO@FeS2@C electrode could deliver outstanding electrochemical performance owing to its special structure. At 1 A g(-1), it could exhibit a high specific capacity of 820.7 mA h g(-1) after 300 cycles. Even if when the current density reaches to a higher degree of 5 A g(-1), rGO@FeS2@C could still exhibit a great specific capacity to 600.8 mA h g(-1) in the wake of 1100 cycles, which is one of the best results to FeS2 systems. In addition, we also compare its performance with the commercialized FeS2, further confirming the good electrochemical properties of rGO@FeS2@C.

Automated summary

By synthesizing a FeS2@carbon composite coated with rGO, the long-term cycling performance of FeS2 as an anode material for LIBs can be improved, and its special structure provides excellent electrochemical performance.