Self-assembly of CoS2/graphene nanoarchitecture by a facile one-pot route and its improved electrochemical Li-storage properties

A CoS2/graphene nanoarchitecture was synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal route using graphite oxide, thioacetamide, and CoCl2 center dot 6H(2)O as the starting materials. The growth of CoS2 and the reduction of the graphite oxide occur simultaneously. CoS2 nanocrystals with a size of 100-150 nm are uniformly anchored on the both sides of the graphene nanosheets, forming a unique CoS2/graphene hybrid nanostructure. The electrochemical tests showed that the nanocomposite exhibits obviously enhanced Li-storage properties compared with bare CoS2. The improvement in electrochemical properties could be attributed to the formation of two-dimensional conductive networks, homogeneous dispersion and immobilization of CoS2 nanoparticles, and the enhanced wetting of active material with the electrolyte by in situ introduced graphene nanosheets. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.