Preparation and electrochemical properties of a new Fe0.5Co0.5S2 cathode material for thermal batteries

Composite sulfide Fe0.5Co0.5S2 used as cathode material in thermal batteries can be prepared through traditional high-temperature solid-state method and liquid phase method, which combines precipitation and high temperature sulfuration. The single cells with S-Fe0.5Co0.5S2 and L-Fe0.5Co0.5S2 exhibit discharge capacities of 1547.17 A s g−1 and 1872.89 A s g−1 with the cut-off voltage of 1.25 V. For comparison, the single cell with FeS2 also discharged, demonstrating a discharge capacity of 1221.45 A s g−1. Moreover, the physical properties and electrochemical behaviors of L-Fe0.5Co0.5S2 are obviously superior to that of S-Fe0.5Co0.5S2. Due to its excellent electrochemical properties, Fe0.5Co0.5S2 compound, especially synthesized by liquid phase method, can be used as cathode material instead of FeS2 for thermal batteries.