Monodispersed FeS nanoparticles confined in 3D interconnected carbon nanosheets network as an anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Transition metal sulfides as the most prominent candidates with high theoretical capacities; however, serious agglomeration and enormous volumetric variation limit its application in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a chemical blowing strategy for the synthesis of FeS nanoparticles encapsulated into 3D porous carbon framework via chemical vapor deposition method and subsequent sulfidation process. In the constructed architecture, the monodispersed FeS nanoparticles are fully encapsulated in graphitic carbon, simultaneously, confined in 3D architecture composed of 2D graphitic carbon nanosheets. The unique architecture provides a facilitated transport pathway, enhances electron conductivity and buffers the volumetric expansion of FeS. Consequently, the composite delivers a high reversible capacity of 1084.2 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 , excellent rate capability (723.5 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 ), and outstanding cycling stability (a specific capacity of 848.3 mAh g −1 without decay is achieved at 0.5 A g −1 ). Therefore, the present work suggests that the novel design of 3D FeS/C material provides a strategy for achieving high-performance anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Graphic abstract Uniformly monodispersed FeS nanoparticles confined in 3D interconnected carbon network was synthesized by using chemical vapor deposition method and subsequent sulfidation process. The hybrid electrode exhibits excellent performance with a reversible capacity of 1084.2 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 as well as outstanding cycling stability performance of 848.3 mAh g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 after 170 cycles.