Tailored integrated electrodes of graphene foam supported FeS2 as cathode for enhanced Li ion storage performance

AbstractHigh performance of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) largely relies on developing advanced cathode materials. In this work, we report integrated electrodes of graphene foam (GF) supported FeS2 with a novel atomic layer deposition-assisted sulfurisation method. Interestingly, cross-linked FeS2 nanoparticles of 20–40 nm are intimately coated on the preformed GF skeleton forming integrated composite electrodes. The GF/FeS2 electrodes are thoroughly characterised as the cathode of LIBs and proven with high specific capacities (625 mAh g−1 at 0.25 C and 417 mAh g−1 at 2 C), good rate capability and cycling life with a capacity retention of 79% at 0.1 C after 100 cycle. The GF supported binder-free structure is responsible for electrochemical enhancement with fast ions/electrons transportation and good contact between active FeS2 and electrolyte. Our results provide a new high-performance integrated electrode for advanced LIBs.