Solvothermal synthesis and excellent electrochemical performance of polycrystalline rose-like Co9S8 hierarchical architectures

Polycrystalline rose-like Co9S8 hierarchical architectures were fabricated by a facile solvothermal route in a binary solution of diethylenetriamine and ethylene glycol. The influencing factors, including the reaction time and volume ratio of diethylenetriamine to ethylene glycol, were systematically investigated. Based on field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) observations, a self-assembly process was proposed in order to explain the formation of the rose-like Co9S8 hierarchical architectures. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of the rose-like Co9S8 were measured. The rose-like Co9S8 architectures possessed high discharge capacities and good cycling performances as cathode materials for application in lithium-ion batteries.