Self-wrapped Sb/C nanocomposite as anode material for High-performance sodium-ion batteries

• Published in: Nano energy Vol. 16; pp. 479 - 487
• Main Authors: Duan, Jian, Zhang, Wei, Wu, Chao, Fan, Qingjie, Zhang, Wuxing, Hu, Xianluo, Huang, Yunhui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Antimony anode; Chitosan; Electrochemical performance; Self-wrapping; Sodium-ion batteries; Antimony anode; Electrochemical performance; Self-wrapping; Chitosan; Sodium-ion batteries
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2015.07.021

Self-wrapping is a facile and highly efficient way to realize evenly coating and homogeneous distribution. Ultrasmall antimony (Sb) nanoparticles embedded in three-dimensional (3D) nitrogen-doped porous carbon matrix are fabricated by self-wrapping and controlled growth process with chitosan (CHI) as a self-wrapping precursor. As anode material for sodium-ion battery, the as-obtained Sb/CCHI nanocomposite shows an initial discharge capacity of 403mAhg−1 with Coulombic efficiency of 69.4%, and retains the capacity up to 372mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at a current of 500mAg−1. A reversible capacity of 138mAhg−1 is attained even at a very high current density of 32Ag−1. This unique Sb/CCHI nanocomposite is a potential anode material for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] •Ultrasmall Sb/C composite is evaluated as anode material for sodium-ion batteries.•A self-wrapping method with chitosan as N-doped carbon precursor is developed.•High capacity, stable cyclability and excellent rate capability are attained.•The effects of polymer precursors on the performance are comparatively investigated.