Facile Synthesis of CuSbS^sub 2^ Blocks, and Their Lithium Ion Storage Performance

• Published in: Journal of electronic materials Vol. 44; no. 1; p. 252
• Main Authors: Zhang, Zhian, Fu, Yun, Zhou, Chengkun, Lai, Yanqing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Warrendale Springer Nature B.V 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Chemical synthesis; Ions; Lithium
• ISSN: 0361-5235; 1543-186X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11664-014-3499-1

We have prepared ternary chalcostibite (CuSbS^sub 2^) blocks by use of a facile one-pot solvothermal method at 180°C in anhydrous ethylenediamine containing copper(I) chloride, antimony trichloride, and powdered sulfur as reactants. Time-dependent experiments were performed to investigate the mechanism of growth and evolution of the morphology of CuSbS^sub 2^, which was characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The novel ternary CuSbS^sub 2^ was also investigated as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries. Study of its electrochemical properties revealed a high initial lithium ion storage capacity of 877.6 mAh g^sup -1^, indicative of potential as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries. (a) SEM images of CuSbS^sub 2^ blocks; (b) discharge and charge curves of CuSbS^sub 2^ electrode between 0.01 and 3.0 V at a current density of 100 mA g^sup -1^. The ternary chalcostibite (CuSbS^sub 2^) blocks were synthesized by use of a one-pot solvothermal method; a large quantity of coral structures was obtained. The novel ternary CuSbS^sub 2^ was investigated as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries; a high initial lithium ion storage capacity of 877.6 mAh g^sup -1^, suggested possible use as a new, high-capacity electrode material for lithium ion batteries. [Figure not available: see fulltext.][PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]