High Capacity NbS₂-Based Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

We have investigated the lithium capacity of the 2H phase of niobium sulfide (NbS₂) using density functional theory calculations and experiments. Theoretically, this material is found to allow the intercalation of a double layer of Li in between each NbS₂ layer when in equilibrium with metal Li. The resulting specific capacity (340.8 mAh/g for the pristine material, 681.6 mAh/g for oxidized material) can reach more than double the specific capacity of graphite anodes. The presence of various defects leads to an even higher capacity with a partially reversible conversion of the material, indicating that the performance of the anodes is robust with respect to the presence of defects. Experiments in battery prototypes with NbS₂-based anodes find a first specific capacity of about 1,130 mAh/g, exceeding the theoretical predictions.