An insight into the effect of g-C3N4 support on the enhanced performance of ZnS nanoparticles as anode material for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries

In this manuscript, the effect of adding graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) on the electrochemical properties of ZnS conversion alloying anode has been investigated in detail. A cooperative phenomenon is observed in case of the ZnS/g-C3N4 composite anodes both in the lithium-ion and sodium-ion half-cell configuration. The ZnS nanoparticles render high capacity and gets lodged in the g-C3N4 nanosheets synthesized using acid assisted sonication method and leads to a synergistic effect which prevents restacking of layers and agglomeration of nanoparticles. The 0.7ZnS:0.3g-C3N4 composite delivers long term reversible capacity of similar to 596.9 mAh g(-1) after 1150 cycles and similar to 432.6 mAh g(-1) after 750 cycles in Li+/Na+ half-cell configuration, respectively, at a high current density of 1 A g(-1). The structural and electrochemical investigation of the bare ZnS and ZnS/g-C3N4 composite anodes along-with post-mortem SEM and TEM analysis has been discussed. The enhanced rate capability of the 0.7ZnS:0.3g-C3N4 electrode can be attributed to a fairly prominent role played by capacitive charge storage. The deleterious volume alteration effect during the shuttling of Li+/Na+ ions in ZnS is mitigated by the presence of g-C3N4 and it renders a high reversible capacity and initial coulombic efficiency to the composite anodes which has been studied via ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This manuscript investigates the impact of adding graphitic carbon nitride on the electrochemical properties of ZnS conversion alloying anode, revealing a cooperative phenomenon and high capacity in ZnS/g-C3N4 composite anodes. The enhanced rate capability of the 0.7ZnS:0.3g-C3N4 electrode is attributed to capacitive charge storage and mitigation of volume alteration effect during Li+/Na+ ions shuttling in ZnS. The presence of g-C3N4 leads to high reversible capacity and initial coulombic efficiency in the composite anodes, as confirmed by ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis.