Encapsulated Ni₃S₂ nanoparticles with N, S dual-doped carbon nanotubes: A robust structure for lithium storage

Nickel sulfides are regarded as advanced candidates for anode of lithium ion battery (LIBs). However, the huge volume change and the poor conductivity hinder their practical application in energy storage. In this paper, Ni₃S₂ nanoparticles in-situ encapsulated into nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped carbon nanotubes (Ni₃S₂/NSCNTs) hybrid is synthesized by a facile and scalable approach. When used as an anode for LIBs, Ni₃S₂/NSCNTs hybrid exhibits a long cycling life (84% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 0.5 A g⁻¹) and an outstanding rate capability (374.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹). These results are ascribed to the special and robust architecture, in which the NSCNTs can enhance the conductivity and maintain structural integrity of hybrid during cycles. This study demonstrates a simple and scalable synthesis strategy toward preparing anode materials for electrochemical energy storage.