Double-source approach to In2S3 single crystallites and their electrochemical properties

Novel cubic and tetragonal In2S3 hollow microspheres consisting of nanoflakes, as well as cubic In2S3 nanoflakes, were synthesized via a double-sulfur-source approach using InCl3 center dot 4H(2)O as the indium source under solvothermal conductions. Cubic and tetragonal In2S3 hollow microspheres with an average diameter of 5-15 mu m reveal flat and clean nanoflakes inside the microspheres; the In2S3 nanoflakes have an average thickness of 10 nm. The samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, SAED, HRTEM, and XPS. Electrochemical tests show that these cubic In2S3 nanoflakes deliver an astoundingly large discharge capacity of 1150 mA h g(-1) vs Li metal at 0.032 mA cm(-2) (voltage window of 0-3.0 V) compared with that of ordinary cathode materials. The obtained sample might find promising application as an electrode material in lithium ion batteries.