Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Ni_1.5Co_1.5S₄ as high-performance electrode material for lithium storage

Highlights: • Bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (Ni_1.5Co_1.5S₄) was prepared by an ultrafast microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. • The Ni_1.5Co_1.5S₄ was studied as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries in the ether-based electrolyte in the voltage range of 1.0–3.0 V,. • Compared with its corresponding single metal sulfides, the Ni_1.5Co_1.5S₄ exhibits superior electrochemical performance for lithium storage. - Abstract: Bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (Ni_1.5Co_1.5S₄) is successfully fabricated by an ultrafast and cost-effective microwave assisted hydrothermal method. When used as electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, Ni_1.5Co_1.5S₄ exhibits the remarkable electrochemical performance in terms of superior cycling stability, excellent specific capacity and good rate capability. A high specific capacity of 443 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ is achieved. Even at 1 A g⁻¹, the sample still delivers a discharge capacity of 386 mA h g⁻¹ with a high columbic efficiency of 99.6% after 500 cycles.