Carbon Encapsulated and rGO Wrapped Mo2C: an Anode Material with Enhanced Sodium Storage Capacity

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, composite of Mo2C embedded in carbon and decorated on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesised by simple and inexpensive method followed by reduction‐carbonisation for anode material for sodium ion battery. A series of techniques were utilized for structural, morphological and electrochemical characterizations. The electrochemical behaviour of Mo2C composites as anode materials of sodium ion battery was explored thoroughly. Mo2C embedded in carbon and decorated on rGO nanosheets (Mo2C/C/rGO) showed enhanced electrochemical performance in all respects. This unique design of Mo2C/C/rGO exhibited specific capacity of 498 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 current density and it retained 96.4 % of its initial capacity after 750 cycles. The added carbon and rGO nanosheets not only enhanced electronic conductivity but also minimized the adverse effect arises due to volume expansion during charging and discharging. The full cell fabricated with this rationally designed anode against NaNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 cathode delivered specific capacity of approximately 107 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1. Theoretical studies disclose that strong interaction between Mo2C and graphene modifies the band structure and geometrical parameters which facilitates sodium ion movement in the composite. These results shed light on Mo2C/C/rGO as future potential anode material for sodium ion battery application.