Regeneration of natural mineral: Coupling preferred crystal orientation with multifunctional coatings stimulates remarkably fast lithium storage

Abstract

Pursuing remarkable fast-charging performance for next-generation batteries, Sb₂S₃ is regarded as one of the most promising candidates due to the high theoretical specific capacity and abundant natural reserve. Nevertheless, intrinsic crystal anisotropy and low electronic conductivity lead to an unsatisfactory charge transfer ability of Sb₂S₃. In this work, the shuttle-like Sb₂S₃ with citric acid-derived carbon coating (SS@CA) composites are fabricated successfully via thermal-chemical treatment approach. Significantly, controllable morphology with (hk1) preferential crystal orientation, as well as the introduction of multifunctional carbon coatings, could be successfully tailored. As expected, the optimal electrodes exhibit a high initial Coulombic efficiency increment of ∼17 % at 1.0 A g⁻¹ in comparison of pristine Sb₂S₃, and deliver a high reversible capacity of 345.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 10.0 A g⁻¹. Assisted by effective exploration of kinetic behaviors, the excellent electrochemical properties mainly come from the accelerated lithium-ion migration ability, decreased charge transfer resistance, suppressed polysulfide shuttle effect, and promoted redox reversibility, which account for the remarkable cycling stability and high-rate performance. Thus, this unique design of multifunctional carbon coating with preferential crystal orientation is supposed to cast light on preparing of advanced Sb₂S₃-based anodes with remarkable fast-charging properties.