Hollow core-shell structured CNT/PAN@Co9S8@C coaxial nanocables as high-performance anode material for lithium ion batteries

Highlights: • Hollow core-shell structured CNT/PAN@Co₉S₈@C coaxial nanocables was synthesized. • The hollow structure can provide enough space for the volume variation during Li⁺ insertion/extraction. • The highly conductive CNTs and the uniform carbon coating effectively improves the conductivity. • CNT/PAN@Co₉S₈@C exhibits high specific capacity and excellent rate capability. -- Abstract: Transition metal sulfides, which possesses high ionic conductivity and high theoretical capacity, have attracted tremendous interest in the field of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, their application suffers from severe volume changes and structure deterioration during charge-discharge process. Herein, hollow core-shell structured CNT/PAN@Co₉S₈@C coaxial nanocables were synthesized. The unique structure can provide more channels for Li⁺ ions/electrons diffusion and alleviate volume swelling during charge/discharge process. As a result, CNT/PAN@Co₉S₈@C exhibits good cycling performance (>700 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹) and rate capability (455 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles). The impressive results demonstrate CNT/PAN@Co₉S₈@C is a promising candidate for anode material in high-performance LIBs.