Colloidal synthesis of greigite nanoplates with controlled lateral size for electrochemical applications

Abstract

The excellent electrochemical performance of greigite (Fe₃S₄) coupled with its vast abundance and low toxicity make it a good prospect as an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In this research, a simple and feasible approach for producing pure phase, small sized, shape-controllable, and stable Fe₃S₄ nanoplates (NPs) through hot injection of sulfur solution into Fe(III) solution was demonstrated. The growth of Fe₃S₄ NPs involves the primary formation of a pyrite (FeS₂) nucleus and subsequent Fe(III) doping. The lateral size of the Fe₃S₄ NPs was controlled further by tuning the experimental variable-dependent reactivity of Fe sources in the nucleation and growth stage. The Fe₃S₄ NPs embedded in LIBs present a low electrochemical resistance and are highly active in lithiation/delithiation processes.