Three dimensional CuCo2S4@CNT as cathode for sustainable aluminum batteries

Abstract

It is a challenging and meaningful subject that developing high-performance cathode materials for aluminum batteries（ABs）. In this work, a three dimensional CuCo2S4@CNT (CNT refers to carbon nanotube) material was designed for ABs. The three-dimensional structure is constructed by combining CuCo2S4 microspheres with CNT scaffolds. CuCo2S4 microspheres are constructed from ultrathin nanosheets and CuCo2S4 microspheres uniformly distribute in these three dimensional all-carbon CNT architectures. The CNT framework improves material conductivity and inhibits aggregation of CuCo2S4 particles, and also acts as a buffer, eliminating volume changes and providing more stable contacts between particles. Compared with the pristine CuCo2S4 electrode, the CuCo2S4@CNT electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance. At a current density of 100 mA/g, CuCo2S4@CNT electrode still provides a reversible capacity of 128 mAh/g after 200 cycles. Meanwhile, the coulombic efficiency remains above 96 %.