LAUSR

Abstract Nanostructured V 5 S 8 /graphite hybrid (V 5 S 8 /C) has been synthesized by a facile method combined solid state sulfuration with liquid exfoliation. The SEM and TEM results reveal that the V 5 S 8 /C hybrid is consisted of ultrathin V 5 S 8 nanosheet and graphite flake. Due to efficient exfoliation of V 5 S 8 sheet and effective incorporation of graphite flake, excellent electrochemical property of V 5 S 8 /C hybrid is demonstrated for lithium ion batteries. Surprisingly, V 5 S 8 /C hybrid delivers a high specific capacity of 1112 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 ; even up to 1.0 A g −1 , a high capacity of 846 mAh g −1 is achieved after 700 cycles. Moreover, in situ XRD analysis indicates that the high capacity of V 5 S 8 /C is derived from the combined Li + intercalation and conversion reactions. While the excellent cycle performance and superior rate capability are attributed to the reduced stacking of the V 5 S 8 layers and overcoating of conductive graphite material, which can relax the strain and lower the barrier for Li + insertion and extraction.