Anode Material For Sodium-ion Batteries Research Articles

Facile Synthesis of Iron Phosphide Nanoparticles in 3D Porous Carbon Framework as Superior Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Iron phosphide (FeP) represents a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries, attributed to its significant theoretical capacity, moderate operating potential, and natural abundance. However, due to the low conductivity and significant volume expansion of FeP electrodes, their specific capacity and cycle life decrease rapidly during charging and discharging. In this study, we synthesized FeP nanoparticles supported on a three-dimensional porous carbon framework composite (FeP@PCF) using a straightforward colloidal blow molding method, employing iron nitrate nonahydrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone as raw materials. The nanoscale size of the FeP particles, along with the abundant mesopores and high specific surface area of the 3D porous carbon framework, contribute to the impressive sodium storage performance of FeP@PCF. It is revealed that FeP@PCF achieves a remarkable capacity of 196.6 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1. Furthermore, after 800 cycles at this current density, it retains a capacity of 172.4 mA h g−1, demonstrating excellent cycling performance. Kinetic and dynamic studies indicate that this exceptional performance is largely attributed to the well-designed FeP@PCF, which exhibits a high capacitive contribution of 88.3% at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1.

Empirical Optimization of Biomass-Derived Hard Carbon Anode for Efficient Sodium Storage

Hard carbon is widely recognized as the most promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Hard carbon is a non-graphitizable carbon characterized by a turbostratic structure with disordered stacking of carbon layers, each consisting of a few nanometer-sized graphene layers. It remains difficult to graphitize even at temperatures above 2500°C. This unique structure, combined with its low cost, high electrical conductivity, low working voltage, and high capacity, allows hard carbon to achieve exceptional sodium ion storage performance. These characteristics make it the most commercially viable anode material. Recent research has also actively explored the use of biomass instead of high-cost inorganic materials, to reduce production costs, minimize pollution from biomass incineration, and reduce the significant amounts of biological waste produced annually. This study investigates the performance of hard carbon anodes derived from lignin, with commercial graphite serving as a control. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were utilized to analyze their crystallographic structures, microstructures, and surface elemental compositions. Electrochemical performance was evaluated using electrolytes consisting of 1M NaPF6 in EC/DEC (1:1 v/v) with 5 wt% FEC and 1M NaPF6 in DEGDME. By comparing the electrochemical characteristics of hard carbon and graphite under different electrolyte conditions, this study demonstrates the potential of hard carbon as a promising anode material for sodium-ion battery applications.

Facile synthesis of in situ carbon-coated CoS2 micro/nano-spheres as high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

In situ carbon-coated CoS2 micro/nano-spheres were successfully prepared by sulfuric calcination using the solvothermal method with glycerol as the carbon source without introducing extraneous carbon. This method prevents carbon agglomeration and avoids the cumbersome steps of the current technology. The composite demonstrates excellent sodium storage capacity as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The initial charge and discharge capacities were 1027 and 1224 mA h g-1 at 50 mA g-1, respectively, with an initial coulombic efficiency of 83.9%. The capacity of CoS2@C at 350 °C was maintained at 937 mA h g-1 after 140 cycles at a current density of 2 A g-1. The outstanding electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the nanostructure design and the presence of in situ carbon. As revealed by the kinetic analysis, the pseudo-capacitive behaviour also contributed to the excellent electrochemical performance.

Effect of pre-treatment conditions on the electrochemical performance of hard carbon derived from bio-waste.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including a more uniform sodium distribution, lower-cost materials, and safer transportation options. A promising development in SIBs is the use of hard carbons as anode materials due to their low insertion voltage and larger interlayer spacing, which improve sodium-ion insertion. Traditionally, hard carbons are made from costly carbon sources, but recent advancements have focussed on using abundant bio-waste, like coffee grounds. This approach reduces costs and helps manage global waste. This research investigates the electrochemical performance of bio-waste-derived hard carbons, which is significantly impacted by various pre-treatment methods. Techniques such as BET, XRD, TEM, and XPS are employed to examine the effects of pre-treatment variables, including washing solvents (organic, acidic, or distilled water), pre-oxidation temperatures, and post-heating processes. These factors influence the structural properties and purity of the hard carbon, impacting its effectiveness as an anode material in SIBs. A significant finding is a mesoporous hard carbon produced from coffee grounds that, after washing with distilled water, pre-oxidation at 150 °C, and thermal treatment at 1300 °C in argon, shows a 23% yield, a reversible capacity of 304 mA h g-1, and Initial coulombic efficiency of 78%. This study underscores the importance of pre-treatments in removing impurities and enhancing the material's sodium storage capabilities.

Research progress on carbon-based anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Research progress on carbon-based anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

A mango peel-derived hard carbon as high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries

A mango peel-derived hard carbon as high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries

High-Pressure Enabled High-Entropy (CrFeCoNiMn)4S5 Composite Anode for Enhanced Durability and High-Rate Sodium-Ion Batteries

Transition metal sulfides (TMS) have gained attention as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, their cyclic stability is often...

Zero-strain high entropy spinel oxide (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO as high-performance anode for sodium ion battery

High entropy spinel oxides (HEOs), as a new type of anode material with at least five transition metal elements and high theoretical specific capacity, have enormous promise in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, the influence of different transition metal elements on the structure and electrochemical performances of HEOs is not clear. In this study, the addition of Mn to HEO can increase the surface oxygen vacancy (Ov) concentration, shorten the band gap, and enhance the electrochemical performance of (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO. XPS results show (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO has the highest surface Ov concentration. Ab initio calculations demonstrate that the indirect band gap of (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO is 0.068 eV. In situ X-ray diffraction and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveal that (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO exhibits a zero-strain characteristic with an inconsequential unit cell volume change of 0.2 %. Specifically, (FeNiCuCrMn)3O4@rGO as anode materials for SIBs show good cyclic stability (with a capacity retention of 84 % at 500 mA g−1 after 3000 cycles). Overall, this work provides a new direction for optimizing transition metal elements in HEOs.

Preparation of hard carbon from acid-treated locust wood as anode material for sodium-ion batteries

Preparation of hard carbon from acid-treated locust wood as anode material for sodium-ion batteries

VN Quantum Dots Anchored onto Carbon Nanofibers as a Superior Anode for Sodium Ion Storage.

Vanadium-based compounds exhibit a high theoretical capacity to be used as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries, but the volume change in the active ions during the process of release leads to structural instability during the cycle. The structure of carbon nanofibers is stable, while it is difficult to deform. At the same time, the huge specific surface area energy of quantum dot materials can speed up the electrochemical reaction rate. Here, we coupled quantum-grade VN nanodots with carbon nanofibers. The strong coupling of VN quantum dots and carbon nanofibers makes the material have a network structure of interwoven nanofibers. Secondly, the carbon skeleton provides a three-dimensional channel for the rapid migration of sodium ions, and the material has low charge transfer resistance, which promotes the diffusion, intercalation and release of sodium ions, and significantly improves the electrochemical activity of sodium storage. When the material is used as the anode material in sodium ion batteries, the specific capacity is stable at 230.3 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1, and the specific capacity is still maintained at 154.7 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1.

Structure Regulation and Energy Storage Mechanisms of Bismuth‐Based Anodes for Sodium Ion Batteries

AbstractThe increasing demand for eco‐friendly energy storage solutions has driven significant interest in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) as an alternative to lithium‐ion batteries, primarily due to sodium's abundant availability. Among various anode materials, bismuth (Bi) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its high theoretical volumetric capacity and excellent electrical conductivity. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of structural characteristics and failure mechanisms inherent to Bi‐based anode materials for SIBs, providing valuable insights into the significance of material modification methods. Structure regulation strategies for Bi‐based SIB anodes are reviewed, focusing on the challenges associated with volumetric expansion and strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance. Typically, nanostructure optimization, surface engineering, morphology modification, and composition regulation are highlighted. Furthermore, this review will discuss the underlying mechanisms that improve sodium storage capabilities and the role of bismuth in advancing the efficiency and stability of SIBs. Lastly, the prospects and imminent challenges associated with bismuth‐based materials will be presented, providing insights for future research and development in energy storage technologies.

Synthesis of yolk-shell structured microspheres consisting of heterogeneous nickel cobalt selenide@nickel cobalt selenite core–shell nanospheres and their application of anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Synthesis of yolk-shell structured microspheres consisting of heterogeneous nickel cobalt selenide@nickel cobalt selenite core–shell nanospheres and their application of anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Ultrahigh Plateau-Capacity Sodium Storage by Plugging Open Pores.

Hard carbon (HC) stands out as the most promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and a precise adjustment of the pore structure is the key to achieving high plateau-capacity. In this work, composite hard carbon is developed by integrating graphitic carbon with biomass waste (banana peel)-derived activated carbon (AC). In this design, N-doped pseudographite layer is stacked at the entrance of open pores, forming a long-range graphitic layer without excessive graphitization. As a result, the surface area of AC is decreased by 170 times down to less than 10m3 g-1, and the corresponding open pores are in situ converted into closed pores. In an optimized electrolyte solvation structure, the obtained HC anode achieves the reversible sodium-storage capacity up to 524 mAh g-1. In particular, a large portion of the capacity (490 mAh g-1) lies below the plateau of 0.25V, which originates from the pore-filling mechanism as revealed by in situ Raman. This study provides a straightforward method to modulate the pore structure of carbon materials, and an energy-efficient (900 °C) synthesis for HC compared to traditional high-temperature routes (e.g., ≈1300-2000 °C).

Sn@Zn/Co-NPC as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries via the Solvothermal Method

Sn@Zn/Co-NPC as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries via the Solvothermal Method

(Invited) Design and Synthesis of Heterostructured Anode Materials for Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries

The transition toward carbon neutrality has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems, predominantly powered by lithium-ion batteries. However, concerns over the limited lithium resources necessitate exploring alternative battery systems. Sodium-ion batteries stand out due to the abundant supply and economic feasibility of sodium compared to lithium.This study focuses on developing high-capacity anode materials for sodium-ion batteries through the design of heterostructured composites. By combining conversion- or alloy-based active materials with a porous silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) nanocoating layer, we aim to address challenges such as volume changes, sluggish kinetics, and interfacial instability during battery cycling. Heterostructured composite anodes with a SiOC-based nanocoating layer were synthesized via controlled dispersion of precursors in silicon oil followed by heat treatment. Comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterization, along with post-mortem analysis, elucidated how the heterostructure influenced battery performance. Our findings demonstrate improved electrochemical stability and enhanced sodium storage capacity attributed to the unique architecture of the heterostructured composites.This novel approach offers promising prospects for developing advanced anode materials capable of significantly enhancing the energy density and overall performance of sodium-ion batteries, thereby contributing to sustainable energy storage solutions for future applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems.

Surface-dominated sodium storage enabled by TiO2 nanosheets with 84 % exposure of (0 0 1) facets for high-performance Na-ion battery anodes

Anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) has garnered enormous attention as a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), owing to its non-toxicity, superior structural stability, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, its intrinsic low electrical conductivity poses a substantial challenge to its practical applications. Here, the ultrathin TiO2 nanosheets were obtained. The TiO2 nanosheets with a thickness of ∼8 nm and exposed 84 % (001) facet. The exposed (001) crystal facets and ultrathin nanosheet structure provide abundant active sites for Na-ion adsorption, shortens ion diffusion pathways, enhances reaction kinetics, and significantly boosts the pseudocapacitive effect. This synergistic strategy of exposed (001) facet with nanosheets structure leads to an exceptional capacity of 177.1 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, and 59 % capacity retention at 5 A/g. This work will contribute to the understanding of facet-dependent electrochemical behavior anode materials for high-performance SIBs.

Novel Q-Carbon Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

The lack of a standard anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) has greatly hindered their applications. Herein, we show that a novel phase of carbon, namely Q-carbon, is an effective anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The Q-carbon, which is a metastable phase of carbon consisting of about 80% sp3- and 20% sp2-bonded carbon, is synthesized by nonequilibrium pulsed laser annealing and arc-discharge methods. Two types of Q-carbons, Q1 and Q2, were evaluated as anode material for SIBs. Q1 had a slow quench and was used as the control, whereas Q2 was Q-carbon with a rapid quenching. Q1 exhibits a high initial columbic efficiency of 81% and a low-capacity retention of less than 60%, whereas Q2 has a low initial columbic efficiency of 58% and a high-capacity retention of 81%. Q2 exhibits a stable capacity of 168 mAh·g−1 at a cycling rate of C/3 (124 mA·g−1), which is comparable to other hard carbon anodes reported in the literature. This unique synthesis method opens a pathway for the further tuning of Q-carbon with higher trapping/charging of Na+ ions in improved SIBs.

Amorphous germanium encapsulated in flexible nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber for sodium storage with ultra-long cycling stability

Germanium (Ge), as a viable candidate anode material for future sodium-ion batteries, has attracted much attention. However, such material is usually troubled by huge volume changes during charge/discharge process, leading to the rapid degradation of electrochemical performance. Notably, construction of carbon coating layers is a practical strategy to alleviate the volumetric effect of Ge. Moreover, rational design of nanosized Ge with amorphous structure can also significantly enhance its sodium-ion storage performance. Herein, amorphous Ge (a-Ge) encapsulated by nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber (Ge@NC) was successfully prepared by facile electrostatic spinning technique and annealing treatment. Impressively, the a-Ge nanoparticles are effectively protected by the flexible nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber (NC), contributing to faster reaction kinetics and improved cycling stability since the high electrical conductivity and buffering effect of the NC layers. In addition, the nanosized Ge with amorphous structure can offer more open framework and higher structural stability. Therefore, the integrated Ge@NC electrode displays a high capacity of 404 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. More excited, the synergistic effect of amorphous structure of Ge and nitrogen-doped carbon layers endow Ge@NC with remarkable long cycle life up to 15,000 cycles at 5 A g−1.

Irida-graphene as a high-performance anode for sodium batteries

Clean energy storage is in the spotlight of the scientific community, as is the development of alternatives to the negative impact of conventional lithium-based batteries; therefore, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged due to the abundant Na resources. In this sense, the performance of irida-graphene (IG), a 2D carbon allotrope with metallic character, and geometrically formed by 3-, 6- and 8- carbon rings, is computationally investigated for Na storage by density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The maximum Na capacity in the IG is 24 atoms, a ratio of 1 Na to 2C (1:2), with adsorption energies from −1.42 eV (single Na) to −0.38 eV (24 Na), demonstrating its electrochemical stability. The Na mobility was analyzed, indicating a high diffusion rate (3.11 × 10−5 cm2/s at 300 K) associated with a very small diffusion barrier (0.09 eV). The operating open circuit voltage (OCV) ranges from 0.32 to 1.42 V, which is suitable for a safety battery application. Finally, the Na storage capacity is 1022 mAhg−1, surpassing many commercial anodes and competitive with other structures. The results highlight the IG potential as an effective and safe anode material for SIBs.

Development of Biomass‐Derived Hard Carbon for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Optimizing Microstructure and Electrochemical Performance

The development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) as a sustainable alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) has garnered considerable attention, mainly due to the abundant supply and economic viability of sodium sources. In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of hard carbon (HC) derived from biomass coconut shells, with the objective of optimizing its performance as an anode material for SIBs. A series of hard carbon samples (denoted as YHC‐T) were prepared via carbonization at 1000°C, 1100°C, 1200°C, 1300°C and 1400°C. The YHC‐1200 sample, exhibiting an expanded interlayer spacing of approximately 0.384 nm, demonstrated superior sodium storage properties, achieving a high reversible specific capacity of 350 mA h g <sup>‐1</sup> and an initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 92.9% at a current density of 0.1 A g <sup>‐1</sup>. Moreover, YHC‐1200 exhibited excellent cycling stability, retaining a capacity of 198 mA h g <sup>‐1</sup> after 1000 cycles at 1 A g <sup>‐1</sup>.