The construction of scale-like Fe7S8/C composite nanotubes and their electrochemical properties

Abstract

Iron sulfides is promising anode material for lithium-ion battery. However, the shortcomings of low electronic conductivity and severe volume expansion effect, restrict their electrochemical performance. Herein, we report an in situ growth strategy for fabricating scale-like Fe7S8/C composite nanotubes. The hierarchical structure of scale-like Fe7S8/C composite nanotubes combine the structural advantages of sheet structure and tubular structure. As lithium-ion battery anodes, the prepared scale-like Fe7S8/C composite nanotubes deliver superior reversible capacity of 688 ​mA ​h ​g−1 even after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 ​A ​g−1. These outstanding electrochemical performances can be attributed to the synthetic effects of the structure. The sheet structure can provide large active area and abundant Li-ion storage sites, and the tubular structure can provide buffer space for the volume expansion effect. Moreover, the combination with carbon improves the electrical conductivity of the material effectively. Therefore, the results show that the scale-like Fe7S8/C composite nanotubes are excellent electrode materials.