ZnS nanoparticles coated with graphene-like nano-cell as anode materials for high rate capability lithium-ion batteries

A core–shell structure ZnS nanocomposite was synthesized by wrapping ZnS nanoparticles up in graphene-like nano-cell (GLC@ZnS) through chemical vapor deposition. The morphological and structural characteristics exhibit that the obtained GLC@ZnS composite possesses high-quality ZnS nano-sized particles and laminated graphene-like layers shell. When applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the GLC@ZnS composite (high ZnS content of 97.2%) with diameter of 30 nm delivers high reversible capacities (1134 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g⁻¹, 890 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹) and excellent rate capability (701 mAh g⁻¹ at 8.0 A g⁻¹). The excellent electrochemical performance of the composite is ascribed to the inclosed graphene-like nano-cell, which could localize the active materials and enhance the exchange of charges and ions.