In situ formed FeS2@CoS cathode for long cycling life lithium-ion battery

Pyrite FeS₂ exhibits an ultrahigh energy density (1671 W·h·kg^-1, for the reaction of FeS₂+4Li=Fe+2Li₂S) in secondary lithium-ion batteries, but its poor cycling stability, huge volume expansion, the shuttle effect of polysulfides, and slow kinetic properties limit its practical application. In this work, we synthesize a composite structure material CoS on FeS₂ surface (FeS_x@CoS, 1 < x ≤ 2) by using a cobalt-containing MOF to improve its cycle stability. It is found that CoS inhibits the side reactions and adsorbs polysulfides. As a result, the modified FeS₂ shows a higher discharge capacity of 577 mA·h·g^-1 (919 W·h·kg^-1) after 60 cycles than 484 mA·h·g^-1 (778 W·h·kg^-1) of bare pyrite FeS₂. This efficient strategy provides a valuable step toward the realization of high cycling stability FeS₂ cathode materials for secondary lithium-ion batteries and enriches the basic understanding of the influence of FeS₂ interfacial stability on its electrochemical performances.     

Monolithic epitaxy and optoelectronic properties of single-crystalline γ-In2Se3 thin films on mica

The growth of γ-In₂Se₃ thin films on mica by molecular beam epitaxy is studied. Single-crystalline γ-In₂Se₃ is achieved at a relatively low growth temperature. An ultrathin β-In₂Se₃ buffer layer is observed to nucleate and grow through a process of self-organization at initial deposition, which facilitates subsequent monolithic epitaxy of single-crystallineγ-In₂Se₃ at low temperature. Strong room-temperature photoluminescence and moderate optoelectronic response are observed in the achieved γ-In₂Se₃ thin films.