A novel red phosphorus/reduced graphene oxide-C3N4 composite with enhanced sodium storage capability

Abstract

• N -enriched rGO-C 3 N 4 hybrid network is proposed as matrix for phosphorus composites. • Interfacial compatibility between rGO-C 3 N 4 and red phosphorus is realized by P N bond. • Interfacial bonding is revealed by theoretical calculations. • Enhanced kinetics is facilitates by the formation of P N bonds. Red phosphorus (RP) has attracted wide attention as a promising anode candidate for sodium ion batteries due to its admirable specific capacity, safe working potential and low cost. However, its large volumetric expansion during desodiation/sodiation process and poor electronic conductivity hinder the progress of red phosphorus electrodes. Here, the N -enriched reduced graphene oxide-C 3 N 4 (rGO-C 3 N 4 ) network is utilized to facilitate the electronic conductivity and construct a robust architecture through P N bonds. Admirable bonding strength between phosphorus and the C 3 N 4 hybrid framework is revealed by the calculations via the first principles based on density function theory. The red phosphorus/rGO-C 3 N 4 anode for sodium ion batteries obtained via a facile ball-milling method exhibits a discharge capacity of 652.6 mA h g −1 after 100 cycles. This method holds great promise on developing red phosphorus anode on sodium-ion batteries.