Hierarchical CoS2@C hollow microspheres constructed by nanosheets with superior lithium storage

An effective approach of alcoholysis is employed to prepare hollow CoS2@C hybrid nanosheets aggregates as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Amorphous carbon can be loaded on the CoS2 nanoparticles uniformly in the solvothermal alcoholysis process, and the subsequent calcination results of the formation of hollow structures. The capacity of the sample can remain stable as high as 720 mAhg(-1) after 200 cycles, and it also exhibits good rate capacity. The nano-scaled characteristics of CoS2 nanosheets embedded in the aggregates ensure the electrode having a high capacity and the fast Li-ion diffusion in the electrode. The in-situ introduction of carbon renders the electrode having a good electronic conductivity and can effectively prevent the formation of polysulfide anions. The unique hollow structures can shorten the length of Li-ion diffusion, which is benefit for the rate performance. The hollow structure also offers a sufficient void space, which sufficiently alleviates the mechanical stress caused by volume change. Therefore, the prepared hierarchical hollow CoS2@C materials constructed by nanosheets exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.