Facile synthesis of CoNi2S4 one-dimensional nanorods as anode for high performance lithium ion batteries

•Ternary CoNi2S4 one-dimensional nanorods were firstly synthesized.•CoNi2S4 nanorods show higher lithium storage capacity and cycle performances.•CoNi2S4 nanorods show enhanced initial coulombic efficiency.

Ternary CoNi2S4 one-dimensional nanorods with the average diameter of 200 nm were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method without any surfactant or template. One-dimensional geometry could improve the utilization of electrode material, shorten electron diffusion path, and accommodate the volume change during cycling. As an anode for lithium ion batteries, the CoNi2S4 nanorod material exhibits a remarkably improved electrochemical performances in terms of lithium storage capacity (1575.1 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 rate), initial coulombic efficiency (79%), cycling stability (76% capacity retention after 50 cycles). The enhanced lithium storage capacities can be mainly attributed to the designed nanostructure of ternary CoNi2S4, good conductivity, and the synergistic effects between cobalt sulfides and nickel sulfides.

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