Multifunctional carbon-confined FeS nanoparticles for a self-supporting and high-capacity cathode in lithium ion battery

Abstract Seeking an advanced cathode is a key to develop lithium ion battery. Here, a self-supporting and high-capacity FeS@C cathode is prepared by the chemical etching, the electrodeposition of carbon precursor and the high temperature sulfidation. Owing to the confinement of carbon layer for particle growth and its excellent conductivity, the FeS@C nanocomposite is generated and shows an elevated electrochemical kinetic behavior compared to the bulk FeS. Besides, the carbon layer improves the volume effect during lithiation and delithiation process. Thus, the optimized electrode exhibits a high reversible discharge capacity of 2.58 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 mA cm−2 and a long cyclic stability (2.03 mAh cm−2 after 200 cycles at 0.8 mA cm−2).