Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical performance of Bi2S3/rice husk-based activated carbon composites as lithium ion battery anodes

This study investigates the impact of hydrothermal duration on bismuth sulfide/activated carbon composites (Bi2S3/AC) by varying the duration to 8, 24, and 48 h. The primary aim is to delineate the composite characteristics and electrochemical performance of Bi2S3/AC composites, aiming to produce anodes for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity, excellent cyclic stability, and minimal volume expansion. Activated carbon derived from rice husks was synthesized via a carbonization process and chemical activation using H3PO4 as an activator. Subsequently, the synthesis of Bi2S3/AC composites used bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and thiourea precursors through the hydrothermal method that involved three variations of hydrothermal duration: 8, 24, and 48 h, denoted as BC8, BC24, and BC48, respectively. The FTIR test indicates the presence of Bi-S, C=C, and Csingle bondO groups in the three composite products, signifying the existence of bismuth sulfide and activated carbon. The XRD result reveals orthorhombic crystal forms in the composites, while the SEM-EDX mapping illustrates particle morphologies resembling flower-like shapes. These compositions comprise Bi 74.16 %, S 11.37 %, and C 10.43 %. The GSA test suggests a mesoporous pore size in these composites. In final result, BC24 exhibits the highest electrical and ionic conductivity, measuring 2.12 × 10−3 S.cm−1 and 2.057 × 10−4 S.cm−1, respectively. The CV data of the BC24 composite indicates two reduction and oxidation peaks in the first cycle. Charge-discharge test on the BC24 composite exhibits a specific charge capacity of 445.51 mA.h.g-1 and a discharge capacity of 364.24 mA.h.g-1.