One-step synthesis of FeS nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped porous carbon for improved lithium storage properties.

• FeS nanoparticles embedded in N -doped porous C is prepared by one-step strategy. • The N -doped C can improve conductivity, introduce defects and more active sites. • The FeS/NC electrode displays superior lithium-ion storage performance. • The electrochemical reaction mechanism is studied by ex-situ XPS. The electrode materials with simple preparation methods, good electrochemical performance, and cheap cost have broad application prospects in the field of electrochemistry. Herein, we propose one-step method for the direct sulfuration of iron-phthalocyanine (FePc) to produce FeS nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped porous carbon (FeS/NC). Introducing porous carbon materials into the FeS nanoparticles can significantly restrain the huge volume expansion and enhance electrical conductivity. Nitrogen doping can further improve the electrical conductivity and introduce defects in the carbon host. The results show that the FeS/NC-750 demonstrates a discharge capacity of 834 mA h g−1after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1. The FeS/NC anode still has a high discharge specific capacity of 612.4 mAh g−1 even after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. The simple strategy provides an inexpensive and straightforward strategy for conversion of FePc into available FeS/NC anode materials, which presents that FeS/NC electrode has potential application value in lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]