Ultrafast and ultrastable FeSe2 embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers anode for sodium-ion half/full batteries

Abstract

Transition metal selenides are considered as promising anode materials for fast-charging sodium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the low intrinsic conductivity, particle aggregation, and large volume expansion problems can severely inhibit the high-rate and long-cycle performance of the electrode. Herein, FeSe2 nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (FeSe2@NCF) have been synthesized using the electrospinning and selenization process, which can alleviate the volume expansion and particle aggregation during the sodiation/desodiation and improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode. The FeSe2@NCF electrode delivers the outstanding specific capacity of 222.3 mAh g−1 at a fast current density of 50 A g−1 and 262.1 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 with the 87.8% capacity retention after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the Na-ion full cells assembled with pre-sodiated FeSe2@NCF as anode and Na3V2(PO4)3/C as cathode exhibit the reversible specific capacity of 117.6 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 with the 84.3% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. This work provides a promising way for the conversion-based metal selenides for the applications as fast-charging sodium-ion battery anode.