Colloidal metal sulfide nanoparticles for high performance electrochemical energy storage systems

Transition metal sulfides have emerged as excellent replacement candidates of traditional insertion electrode materials based on their conversion or alloying mechanisms, facilitating high specific capacity and rate ability. However, parasitic reactions such as massive volume change during the discharge/charge processes, intermediate polysulfide dissolution, and passivating solid electrolyte interface formation have led to poor cyclability, hindering their feasibility and applicability in energy storage systems. Colloidal metal sulfide nanoparticles, a special class that integrates the intrinsic chemical properties of metal sulfides and their specified structural features, have fairly enlarged their contribution due to the synergistic effect. This review highlights the latest synthetic approaches based on colloidal process. Their corresponding electrochemical outcomes will also be discussed, which are thoroughly updated along with their insight scientific standpoints.