A phosphorus and carbon composite containing nanocrystalline Sb as a stable and high-capacity anode for sodium ion batteries. Issue 1 (10th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Miao; Ouyang, Liuzhang; Zhu, Min; Fang, Fang; Liu, Jiangwen; Liu, Zongwen
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 8:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 443
• Page End: 452
• Publication Date: 2019-12-10
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ta07508a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Sodium ion batteries are a potential alternative to lithium ion batteries due to the low cost and natural abundance of sodium. Abstract : Sodium ion batteries are a potential alternative to lithium ion batteries due to the low cost and natural abundance of sodium. In this study, we demonstrate the synthesis of a ternary Sb/P–C composite by using facile discharge plasma-assisted milling (P-milling) to combine Sb and high theoretical specific capacity red phosphorus (RP). The high hardness Sb particles facilitated the refinement of the P particles and exfoliated expanded graphite during the P-milling process, while the rapid heating by plasma promoted the refinement of Sb and P particles. Ultimately, the crystalline Sb nanograins were well-dispersed in the amorphous P and C matrix, and the P and C components were connected by the P–C bonds. This unique structure ensures a strong electrode structural integrity and ultra-fast electron transport during cycling. As a result, the Sb/P–C composite delivered a high average initial coulombic efficiency of 73.5%, and a reversible capacity of 596 mA h g −1 after 300 cycles at 1.0 A g −1, a very impressive performance among the reported P-based materials. The present approach provides a new strategy for the preparation of anode materials of high capacity and long cycle life for sodium-ion batteries and other energy storage systems.