Chiu, J.-M.J.-M.ChiuChou, T.-C.T.-C.ChouWong, D.P.D.P.WongLin, Y.-R.Y.-R.LinShen, C.-A.C.-A.ShenHy, S.S.HyHwang, B.-J.B.-J.HwangTai, Y.Y.TaiWu, H.-L.H.-L.WuChen, L.-C.L.-C.Chen2020-05-122020-05-12201822112855https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/492401Applications of lithium ion battery have been hampered by a lack of ideal anode materials in terms of capacity and stability. The emergence of metal chalcogenide as a candidate material has reinvigorated the search of a low cost and high capacity material system. However, debate about the underlying mechanisms and overall appraisal of its usage in lithium ion battery system remains. Here, a comprehensive study on the energy storage mechanism of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) nanowalls possessing ultrahigh rate capability (500 mAh g−1 charged within 60 s) is reported. Structural evolutions along with the accompanying changes in the oxidation state upon charge/discharge were monitored by ex-situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. During lithiation, lithium ion reacted with CZTS to form lithium sulfides. At the same time, a sequential conversion reactions of copper, zinc and tin sulfides enabled the CZTS nanowalls to achieve excellent electrochemical performance (1400 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 over 400 cycles). Multi-element metal chalcogenides in conjunction with an adhesion-enhancing seed layer and a rational nanostructure design hold the key to such ultrahigh capacity and stable anode materials for next generation energy storage devices. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd[SDGs]SDG7Anodes; Chalcogenides; Copper; Electric batteries; Electrodes; Energy storage; Inorganic compounds; Ions; Lithium; Nanostructures; Secondary batteries; Storage (materials); Sulfur compounds; Tin; X ray diffraction; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Zinc; Zinc sulfide; Cascade effects; Conversion reactions; Copper zinc tin sulfides; Electrochemical performance; High rate capability; High-capacity materials; Lithium ion storages; Structural evolution; Lithium-ion batteriesjournal article10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.12.020