Single source precursor route to iron sulfide nanomaterials for energy storage

In this work we report a one-pot, fast and facile synthesis of iron sulphide (FeS) nanostructures using a single source precursor and demonstrate potential for applications in battery technology. This synthesis method offers the possibility of tailoring the design of the nanostructures, from nanoparticles to two-dimensional nanosheets with slight variations of the synthesis conditions. We show that both the nanoparticles and nanosheets mostly comprise the hexagonal 'troilite' phase of FeS with different degrees of crystallinity. The cycling performance of composite electrodes containing the 2D FeS nanosheets is significantly better compared to the 3D FeS nanoparticles.