Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of CuS Hierarchical Nanosheets as the Cathode Material for High-Capacity Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (rMBs) have been recognized as one of most promising next-generation energy storage devices with high energy and power density. However, the development of rMBs has been hampered by the lack of usable cathode materials with high capacity and cycling stability. Herein, we report an ultra-rapid, cost-effective, and scalable synthesis of ultrathin CuS hierarchical nanosheets by a one-step microwave-assisted preparation. Benefiting from the exceptional structural configuration, when used as the cathode material for rMBs at room temperature, the CuS hierarchical nanosheets deliver a high reversible discharge capacity of 300 mA h g^-1 at 20 mA g^-1, remarkable rate capability (256.5 mA h g^-1 at 50 mA g^-1 and 237.5 mA h g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1), and excellent cycling stability (135 mA h g^-1 at 200 mA g^-1 over 200 cycles). To date, the obtained excellent electrochemical performances are superior to most results ever reported for cathode materials of rMBs.