High energy density batteries with high performance are significantly important for intelligent electrical vehicular systems. Iron sulfurs are recognized as one of the most promising anodes for high energy density lithium-ion batteries because of their high theoretical specific capacity and relatively stable electrochemical performance. However, their large-scale commercialized application for lithium-ion batteries are plagued by high-cost and complicated preparation methods. Here, we report a simple and cost-effective method for the scalable synthesis of nanoconfined FeS in porous carbon (defined as FeS@C) as anodes by direct pyrolysis of an iron(III) p-toluenesulfonate precursor. The carbon architecture embedded with FeS nanoparticles provides a rapid electron transport property, and its hierarchical porous structure effectively enhances the ion transport rate, thereby leading to a good electrochemical performance. The resultant FeS@C anodes exhibit high reversible capacity and long cycle life up to 500 cycles at high current density. This work provides a simple strategy for the mass production of FeS@C particles, which represents a critical step forward toward practical applications of iron sulfurs anodes.
Lithium-ion Batteries: 3D Hierarchical Porous α-Fe2O3Nanosheets for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries (Adv. Energy Mater. 4/2015)