Homologous Heterostructured NiS/NiS₂ @C Hollow Ultrathin Microspheres with Interfacial Electron Redistribution for...

Nickel sulfides with high theoretical capacity are considered as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs); however, their intrinsic poor electric conductivity, large volume change during charging/discharging, and easy sulfur dissolution result in inferior electrochemical performance for sodium storage. Herein, a hierarchical hollow microsphere is assembled from heterostructured NiS/NiS₂ nanoparticles confined by in situ carbon layer (H-NiS/NiS₂ @C) via regulating the sulfidation temperature of the precursor Ni-MOFs. The morphology of ultrathin hollow spherical shells and confinement of in situ carbon layer to active materials provide rich channels for ion/electron transfer and alleviate the effects of volume change and agglomeration of the material. Consequently, the as-prepared H-NiS/NiS₂ @C exhibit superb electrochemical properties, satisfactory initial specific capacity of 953.0 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 , excellent rate capability of 509.9 mA h g^-1 at 2 A g^-1 , and superior longtime cycling life with 433.4 mA h g^-1 after 4500 cycles at 10 A g^-1 . Density functional theory calculation shows that heterogenous interfaces with electron redistribution lead to charge transfer from NiS to NiS₂ , and thus favor interfacial electron transport and reduce ion-diffusion barrier. This work provides an innovative idea for the synthesis of homologous heterostructures for high-efficiency SIB electrode materials.