Sb2S3 with Various Nanostructures: Controllable Synthesis, Formation Mechanism, and Electrochemical Performance toward Lithium Storage

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal Vol. 16; no. 44; pp. 13210 - 13217
• Main Authors: Ma, Jianmin, Duan, Xiaochuan, Lian, Jiabiao, Kim, Tongil, Peng, Peng, Liu, Xiaodi, Liu, Zhifang, Li, Haobo, Zheng, Wenjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 22-11-2010; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: antimony; Chemistry; crystal growth; Crystal structure; Formations; Ionic liquids; Ions; Nanorods; Nanostructure; nanostructures; Nanowires; self-assembly; Superstructures; Synthesis; Three dimensional
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201000962

The size‐ and shape‐controlled synthesis of Sb2S3 nanostructures has been successfully realized by a facile hydrothermal route. A range of dimensional nanostructures, such as one‐dimensional nanorods, two‐dimensional nanowire bundles, three dimensional sheaf‐like superstructures, dumbbell‐shaped superstructures, and urchin‐like microspheres, could be obtained through introducing different organic complex reagents or ionic liquids to the reaction system. The formation mechanisms of various Sb2S3 nanostructures have been rationally proposed based on the crystal structure and the nature of the complex reagents and the ionic liquid. The effects of experimental parameters on the final product are also discussed in detail. In addition, electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the as‐synthesized Sb2S3 nanostructures have higher initial Li intercalation capacity and excellent cyclic performances, which indicates that the as‐synthesized Sb2S3 nanostructures could have potential applications in commercial batteries.
How do your crystals grow? Morphology control of Sb2S3 crystals (see figure) could be realized by using a solution‐phase route, through manipulating the interaction between the solvent, additive, and nanostructures. In addition, the as‐synthesized Sb2S3 nanomaterials are also shown to be improved electrode materials for lithium ion batteries.