Fabrication of Cu2S on Cu film electrode and its application in lithium ion battery

Cu2S film electrode direct growth on Cu foil is prepared by a simple hydrothermal approach. The electrochemical properties of the as-prepared Cu2S electrode are investigated via conventional discharge and charge tests. When applying a current density of 0.1 mA cm− 2, the as-prepared Cu2S electrode exhibits discharge and charge capacity of 0.27, 0.32, 0.35, 0.34 and 0.34 mAh cm− 2 at the 100th, 200th, 300th, 400th and 500th cycle, respectively. Such good performance of the as-prepared Cu2S electrode is attributed to the fine electric contact between Cu2S and Cu foil and the possible hollow structure of Cu2S film.

► Direct growth of Cu2S film on Cu foil for lithium ion batteries.
► Direct growth leads to fine electronic contact between Cu2S film and Cu foil.
► Cu2S film shows possible hollow architecture.
► Cu2S film as anode for lithium ion battery leads to excellent cycling performance.