Confining SnSe particles in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers: A free-standing, binder-free anode for potassium-ion batteries

Abstract

SnSe alloy has garnered attention as a promising anode material for potassium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of 847 mAh g−1. However, its practical application is limited by significant volume change during cycling, which leads to rapid capacity degradation. To address this challenge, we’ve introduced an innovative method using electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment to produce SnSe particles confined within nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (SnSe@NCNF). This design not only mitigates the volume expansion of SnSe particles but also provides a continuous 1D conduction network. Notably, SnSe@NCNF functions as an anode material without necessitating polymer binders or current collectors. Our optimized SnSe@NCNF-2 anode has shown commendable electrochemical performance, retaining a discharge capacity of 154.61 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at a substantial specific current of 500 mA g−1.