Green synthesis of carbon-supported ultrafine ZnS nanoparticles for superior lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Dalton transactions : an international journal of inorganic chemistry Vol. 52; no. 44; pp. 16336 - 16344
• Main Authors: Han, Ying-Yi, Zhang, Xuefei, Chen, Bi-Cui, Huang, Pei-Wen, Chai, Yun, Wu, Xiao-Hui, Xie, Zailai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 14.11.2023
• Subjects: Anodes; Carbon; Electrode materials; Electron transfer; Energy storage; Lithium-ion batteries; Nanoparticles; Pyrolysis; Rechargeable batteries; Synergistic effect; Ultrafines; Zinc sulfide
• ISSN: 1477-9226; 1477-9234
• DOI: 10.1039/d3dt02407e

Zinc sulfide (ZnS) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity, abundance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. Herein, a hydrangea-like ZnS-carbon composite (ZnS-NC) is synthesized through the hydrothermal method and subsequent pyrolysis of a supramolecular precursor guanosine. The resulting composite comprises ultrafine ZnS nanoparticles firmly stabilized on a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix, featuring mesoporous channels and high surface areas. When utilized as an anode material for LIBs, the initial discharge specific capacity of the ZnS-NC electrode reaches an impressive value of 944 mA h g −1 at 1.0 A g −1 , and even after 450 cycles, it maintains a reversible capacity of 597 mA h g −1 . Compared with pure ZnS, the ZnS-NC composite exhibits significantly improved rate performance and cycling stability. This enhancement in Li-storage performance can be attributed to a synergistic effect within the ZnS-NC composite, which arises from the large exposed active site area, efficient ion/electron transfer, and strong interaction between the ZnS nanoparticles and the carbon framework. Overall, this work presents an eco-friendly approach for developing metal sulfide-carbon composites with exceptional potential for energy storage applications. Guanosine-derived carbon-supported ultrafine ZnS nanoparticles for superior lithium-ion batteries.