Preparation and sodium storage performance of NiCo2S4/N,S-rGO nanocomposites

NiCo₂S₄ is a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). In this paper, a simple one-step method (mixing and heat treatment) was used to synthesize in-situ synthesized NiCo₂S₄ submicron spheres (NiCo₂S₄/N,S-rGO) anchored on N, S co-doped reduced graphene oxide. XPS characterization demonstrated electron transfer between NiCo₂S₄ and N,S-rGO, which confirmed the strong synergistic effect between NiCo₂S₄ and N,S-rGO. The nanoparticles self-assembled NiCo₂S₄ spheres effectively promoted ion diffusion, and the excellent electrical and mechanical properties of N,S-rGO not only improved the conductivity of the electrode, but also effectively buffeted the large volume changes of NiCo₂S₄/N,S-rGO during the charge/discharge process. Benefiting from the unique nano-architecture and strong synergistic effect, NiCo₂S₄/N,S-rGO applied as anode materials for SIBs presented a high reversible capacity, impressive rate capability and superior long-term stability (396.7 mA·h/g at 0.5 A/g after 130 cycles, 283.3 mA·h/g at 2 A/g after 1000 cycles). Those results open an interesting strategy for rational design and preparation of efficient anode materials for SIBs.