Facile Synthesis of CuSbS2 Blocks, and Their Lithium Ion Storage Performance

Abstract

We have prepared ternary chalcostibite (CuSbS2) blocks by use of a facile one-pot solvothermal method at 180°C in anhydrous ethylenediamine containing copper(I) chloride, antimony trichloride, and powdered sulfur as reactants. Time-dependent experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism of growth and evolution of the morphology of CuSbS2, which was characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The novel ternary CuSbS2 was also investigated as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries. Study of its electrochemical properties revealed a high initial lithium ion storage capacity of 877.6 mAh g−1, indicative of potential as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries. (a) SEM images of CuSbS2 blocks; (b) discharge and charge curves of CuSbS2 electrode between 0.01 and 3.0 V at a current density of 100 mA g−1. The ternary chalcostibite (CuSbS2) blocks were synthesized by use of a one-pot solvothermal method; a large quantity of coral structures was obtained. The novel ternary CuSbS2 was investigated as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries; a high initial lithium ion storage capacity of 877.6 mAh g−1, suggested possible use as a new, high-capacity electrode material for lithium ion batteries.