Imbedding ultrafine Sb₂S₃ nanoparticles in mesoporous carbon sphere for high-performance lithium-ion battery

In view of the high theoretical specific capacity of 946 mAh/g, Sb₂S₃ anode materials have been considered as competitive candidates for high performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, pure Sb₂S₃ usually suffers from inferior cyclicity because of the extremely large volume expansion upon Li⁺ uptake and release processes when applied as electrode in LIBs. Combining Sb₂S₃ with carbonaceous materials would reduce the volume change effect and thus maintains high capacity and substantially improves the cycling performance. Herein, ultrafine Sb₂S₃ nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous hollow carbon spheres (MHCS) are successfully prepared based on a facile hydrothermal method using MHCS as the microreactor for lithium ion storage, which delivers a desirable specific capacity of 745.3 mAh/g at a current density of 100 mA/g after 160 cycles, and displays prominent rating capability. The outstanding electrochemical performance is due to the mesoporous and unique hollow feature of MHCS, which not only facilitates the electron transfer and Li⁺ diffusion, but also confines the growth of Sb₂S₃. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.