Heterostructure CoSe2/Sb2Se3 nanocrystals embedded into nanocage-in-nanofiber carbon framework for ultralong-life sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

Transition metal selenides are considered as one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) on account of their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the poor conductivity, sluggish kinetics and volume expansion during the (de)sodiation process hinder its application. Herein, a novel heterostructure of CoSe2/Sb2Se3 nanocrystals embedded into nanocage-in-nanofiber carbon framework is designed and constructed via electrospinning, carbonization, ion exchange and selenization processes. In this structure, bimetallic selenide heterostructure accelerates electron/ion transfer kinetics and Na+ adsorption capacity, carbon nanocages structure alleviates the volume expansion and maintains structural integrity during the (de)sodiation process, and carbon nanofibers connect the nanocages in series to shorten the electron transmission path and enhance electrical conductivity. As a self-supporting anode for SIBs, as-synthesized CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C@CNF shows a high reversible capacity of 406 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 after 200 cycles and displays excellent rate capability. More remarkably, the CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C@CNF anode manifests an outstanding cycling stability for over 2000 and 12,000 cycles at 1 and 5 A g-1, with the capacity retention being 97 % and 103 % respectively. Meanwhile, the excellent sodium storage performance is revealed by kinetic analysis, energy level analysis and density functional theory calculations.