Enhanced electrochemical performances of FeS/PC composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

• FeS@PC anode material where FeS nanoparticles embedded in the porous carbon was synthesized by two-step in-situ immersion/calcination method. • The electrochemical properties of the FeS@PC anode material are evaluated. • The material achieves a high initial discharge capacity of 1397.3 mAh/g and reversible capacities of 592 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 C after 65 cycles. Due to the various micro/nanostructures and high theoretical specific capacities, transition-metal compounds are attractive anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The practical use of transition metal oxides as anode materials for commercial LIBs is hindered by their limited long-term stability and poor intrinsic electronic conductivity. Here we present the realization of embedded ferrous sulfide (FeS) nanoparticles in the porous carbon (PC) by a two-step in-situ immersion/calcination method. The electrochemical properties are evaluated by cyclic voltammogram, electrochemical impedance and discharge-charge galvanostatic (constant current) tests. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the LIBs achieves a high initial discharge capacity of 1397.3 mAh/g and reversible capacities of 592 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 C after 65 cycles. With these promising results, the FeS/PC composites exhibit considerable potential applications for lithium-ion batteries.