Application In Sodium-ion Batteries Research Articles

Copper Substitution in P2-Type Sodium Layered Oxide To Mitigate Phase Transition and Enhance Cyclability of Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Development of high-performance cathode materials is one of the key challenges in the practical application of sodium-ion batteries. Among all the cathode materials, layered sodium transition-metal oxides are particularly attractive. However, undesired phase transitions are often reported and have detrimental effects on the structure stability and electrochemical performance. Cu substitution of zinc in the P2-type Na0.6Mn0.7Ni0.15Zn0.15-xCuxO2 (x = 0, 0.075, and 0.15) composites was investigated in this study for mitigating the biphase transition and enhancing the electrochemical performance of sodium-ion batteries. The coupling effect of Zn and Cu enables an excellent capacity retention of 96.4% of the initial discharge capacity after 150 cycles at 0.1 C in the Na/Na0.6Mn0.7Ni0.15Zn0.075Cu0.075O2 cell. The biphase transition that occurred in the high voltage range has been significantly suppressed after the incorporation of Cu in Na0.6Mn0.7Ni0.15Zn0.15O2, which was confirmed by in situ X-ray diffraction studies. Moreover, the substitution of the inert element Zn with electrochemically active Cu leads to the suppression of anionic redox and the occurrence of Cu2+/3+ redox reaction, and the electrolyte decomposition is impeded after the introduction of electrochemically active Cu in the Na0.6Mn0.7Ni0.15Zn0.15-xCuxO2 composite cathode. The enhanced electrochemical performance in the Na0.6Mn0.7Ni0.15Zn0.075Cu0.075O2 electrode can be ascribed to the coexistence of Zn and Cu and alleviated volumetric change as well as suppressed electrode/electrolyte side reaction after Cu substitution.

The prospect and challenges of sodium‐ion batteries for low‐temperature conditions

AbstractIn recent years, considerable attention has been focused on the development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of the natural abundance of raw materials and the possibility of low cost, which can alleviate the concerns of the limited lithium resources and the increasing cost of lithium‐ion batteries. With the growing demand for reliable electric energy storage devices, requirements have been proposed to further increase the comprehensive performance of SIBs. Especially, the low‐temperature tolerance has become an urgent technical obstacle in the practical application of SIBs, because the low operating temperature will lead to sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics and unstable interfacial reactions, which will deteriorate the performance and even cause safety issues. On the basis of the charge‐storage mechanism of SIBs, optimization of the composition and structure of electrolyte and electrode materials is crucial to building SIBs with high performance at low temperatures. In this review, the recent research progress and challenges were systematically summarized in terms of electrolytes and cathode and anode materials for SIBs operating at low temperatures. The typical full‐cell configurations of SIBs at low temperatures were introduced to shed light on the fundamental research and the exploitation of SIBs with high performance for practical applications.

Diffusion mechanism in a sodium superionic sulfide-based solid electrolyte: Na11Sn2AsS12

Recently, in all solid-state batteries, sulfide-based solid electrolytes have received increased attention due to their high ionic conductivity, good mechanical features, and better chemical stability. Therefore, in the present study, we have synthesized a novel sodium superionic conducting sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolyte (Na11Sn2AsS12) using a solid-state reaction method. The prepared solid electrolyte (Na11Sn2AsS12) is characterized by different techniques such as x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry to study its various properties such as structure, surface morphology, thermal stability, dielectric properties, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability window for sodium ion battery (SIB) applications. The XRD analysis confirms two coexisting phases—tetragonal and cubic, with phase fractions of 0.69 and 0.31, respectively. The SEM study reveals the irregular shape and dense morphology of the solid electrolyte. On the other hand, TGA shows that the prepared solid electrolyte is suitable for high temperature battery applications. The ionic and transport studies confirm that the synthesized Na11Sn2AsS12 is purely ionic in nature, with ionic conductivity found to be S cm−1 and negligible electronic conductivity ∼ S cm−1 at room temperature. Furthermore, the detailed ionic conduction mechanism is studied using temperature and frequency-dependent AC impedance analysis. In addition, the synthesized solid electrolyte Na11Sn2AsS12 exhibits a wide electrochemical window (∼7.0 V) and a high diffusion coefficient ( cm2 s−1) showing suitable electrolyte properties for solid-state SIB applications.

Hard carbon derived for lignin with robust and low-potential sodium ion storage

Hard carbon as the anode materials is the key for the development of sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, low initial Coulomb efficiency (ICE) and specific capacity still hinder the development of hard carbon materials. Herein, hard carbon materials derived from lignin were prepared by controlling carbonization temperature, and the resulting hard carbon were used in SIBs. The storage mechanism of SIBs was discussed. In addition, the effect of carbonization temperature on the structure and chemical performance of hard carbon was investigated. As a result of its optimized microstructure, such as lower specific surface area, larger space of the interlayers and fewer defects, hard carbon from lignin carbonized at 1600 ℃ (LDHC-1600) exhibits ICE of 81.2 %, and reversible discharge capacity of 303 mA h g−1, and the ratio of low potential plateau to total capacity is 74.75 % (226.5 mA h g−1). The mechanism revealed that sodium ions are adsorbed in the slope region and the intercalation and filling mechanism in the plateau region are also verified. This study provides a type of biomass carbon anode material from lignin for application of SIBs.

Iron‐Phosphate‐Based Cathode Materials for Cost‐Effective Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Development, Challenges, and Prospects

AbstractThe progress on electrode materials over the last few years has greatly facilitated sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) toward practical applications. Cost‐effectiveness is the key character to realize practical applications of SIBs. The iron‐based phosphate materials (IPBMs) are composed of the resource abundant and low‐cost Na–Fe–P–O system and have demonstrated intriguing sodium‐storage properties to reach this goal. Starting from NaFePO4, through compositional and structural engineering, many IPBMs have been developed in recent years. This review offers a comprehensive overview about the development of IPBMs. Crystal structure, electrochemical performance, and reaction mechanism of three main categories (phosphates, pyrophosphates, mixed polyanions) of IPBMs and their represented materials are systematically introduced. Besides, the key challenges encountered by IPBMs, including the impurity phase issue, low‐quality carbon coating, limited energy density, and random morphology are proposed. Finally, perspectives on the future development of IPBMs from intrinsic properties regulation to full battery manufacturing are highlighted in aspects of electrochemical performance enhancements, mechanism investigation, surface and electrolytes, and commercialization. It is believed that this review is timely and is of great importance to promote applications of cost‐effective sodium‐ion batteries.

Activated carbon derived from cherry flower biowaste with a self-doped heteroatom and large specific surface area for supercapacitor and sodium-ion battery applications

Herein, cherry flower waste-derived activated carbon (CFAC) with self-doped nitrogen is synthesized as a viable energy storage material for green and sustainable energy solutions. The activated carbon derived in this way is examined as an electric double-layer capacitance (EDLC)-type electrode material and sodium-ion battery (NIB) electrode material, and commendable performance is demonstrated for both of these energy storage applications. The specific surface area (SSA) and nitrogen content are observed to play a very delicate role in determining the charge storage ability of the CFAC, and the performance is optimized only by carefully balancing both of these properties. The optimized CFAC electrode supplied an excellent performance with a specific capacitance of 333.8 F g−1 and capacity is maintained to more than 96% even after 38,000 charge-discharge cycles as an EDLC-type supercapacitor electrode material. Likewise, the CFAC/NIB also yielded remarkable performance with an average specific capacity of 150 mAh g−1 and capacity retention of more than 84% after 200 charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, an electrokinetic study was performed for both supercapacitor and NIB applications to identify the contribution from surface and diffusion type charge storage phenomena, consequently highlighting the role of the SSA and nitrogen content in the CFAC matrix.

Constructing high-performance N-doped carbon nanotubes anode by tuning interlayer spacing and the compatibility mechanism with ether electrolyte for sodium-ion batteries

The graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a promising high-nitrogen carbon material has attracted abundant attentions in energy storage field. In this work, the N-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) are synthesized through a facile one-step pyrolysis of g-C3N4 precursor assisting by Ni catalyst. The obtained N-CNTs possess unique one-dimensional (1D) nanotubular structure, high conductivity, suitable N-doping around 8.73 ∼ 14.72 at.% and tunable interlayer distance up to 0.462 nm which can accommodate sufficiently Na+. Serving as anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), the resultant N-CNTs exhibit a promising specific capacity of 290.3 mAh⋅g−1 at 0.05 A⋅g−1 and superior rate capability of 164.5 mAh⋅g−1 at 10 A⋅g−1, as well as excellent long-term cycling performance at 0.5 A⋅g−1 for 1000 cycles. Further kinetic analysis and ex-situ Raman reveal the sodium storage mechanism of N-CNTs, which simultaneously combines the diffusion and the dominated capacitive mechanisms together. According to the first principles, density functional theory (DFT) calculations from the perspective of atomic structure further demonstrate that the superior electrochemical performance of N-CNTs is attributed to the strong adsorption interaction between Na+ in ether-based electrolyte and pyrrolic N site. This work provides a facile method to synthesize N-doped carbon nanotube with remarkable electrochemical performance, which is a promising nanotube-structured anode material for the practical application of SIBs.

Integrating Bi@C Nanospheres in Porous Hard Carbon Frameworks for Ultrafast Sodium Storage.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as an alternative technology because of their merits in abundance and cost. Realizing their real applications, however, remains a formidable challenge. One is that among the limitations of anode materials, the alloy-type candidates tolerate fast capacity fading during cycling. Here, a 3D framework superstructure assembled with carbon nanobelt arrays decorated with a metallic bismuth (Bi) nanospheres coated carbon layer by thermolysis of Bi-based metal-organic framework nanorods is synthesized as an anode material for SIBs. Due to the unique structural superiority, the anode design promotes excellent sodium-storage performance in terms of high capacity, excellent cycling stability, and ultrahigh rate capability up to 80Ag-1 with a capacity of 308.8mAhg-1 . The unprecedented sodium-storage ability is not only attributed to the unique hybrid architecture, but also to the production of a homogeneous and thin solid electrolyte interface layer and the formation of uniform porous nanostructures during cycling in the ether-based electrolyte. Importantly, deeper understanding of the underlying cause of the performance improvement is illuminated, which is vital to provide the theoretical basis for application of SIBs.

Structural degradation mechanisms and modulation technologies of layered oxide cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries

AbstractRenewable energies, such as solar and wind, have been explored and widely applied for alleviating problems associated with the depletion of fossil fuel resources and environmental pollution. The intermittent and fluctuating features of these renewable energies require development of efficient energy storage and conversion systems. Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered one of the most promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage due to the low cost and earth abundance of sodium resources. A major challenge for the practical application of SIBs is the development of appropriate cathodes with high energy densities and cycling stabilities. Layered oxide cathodes have received significant attention because of their relatively simple synthetic routes and high capacities stemming from their layered structures. However, they often suffer from moisture sensitivity and structural degradation upon repeated Na+ insertion/extraction, leading to severe performance fading. This review summarizes and discusses the degradation mechanisms of these layered oxide cathodes and modulation strategies for addressing the stability issues. Understanding the mechanisms behind structural instability would provide better insight for improving SIBs' cathode materials, which has critical implications for the designs and applications of SIBs as renewable energy systems.

Conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS coated Co3O4 nanoparticles as the anode for sodium-ion battery applications

Conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS coated Co3O4 nanoparticles as the anode for sodium-ion battery applications

Superstructured Nanocrystals/Dual-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Anodes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Two-dimensional ordered superstructures have been attracting considerable attention due to their interesting properties and potential applications. However, designing ideal functional superstructures with excellent electrochemical properties is still a major challenge, and an in-depth understanding of the structure-activity relationship of electrodes remains to be achieved. To elucidate this critical issue, herein, we rationally designed and synthesized for the first time superstructured TiO2/dual-doped mesoporous carbon anodes using confined space and surface coassembly strategies. Our method primarily relied on the larger interlayer space few-layered MXene and its negatively charged surface, allowing hexamethylenetetramine intercalation and surface electrostatic adsorption. The superstructured TiO2/dual-doped mesoporous carbon was successfully assembled by the thermal decomposition of a confined carbon precursor. Subsequently, the comparison of Na+-storage properties of various anodes was carried out based on the results of structural characterization techniques and electrochemical analysis methods. The results showed that the optimized anode (N/O-C@TiO2-20) can deliver a reversible capacity of 165 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g-1, indicating excellent electrochemical properties. The enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect of carbon domains, defective nanocrystals, and a covalently coupled interface between TiO2 and mesoporous carbon. Our work not only offered a new strategy for the assembly and regulation of superstructures to promote the electrochemical performance but also enlightened the rational design of advanced anodes for sodium-ion battery application.

Monoclinic Bimetallic Prussian Blue Analog Cathode with High Capacity and Long Life for Advanced Sodium Storage.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are regarded as promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but most of them suffer from an incompatibility between capacity and structural stability. Herein, an innovative disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na2EDTA)-assisted hydrothermal method is proposed to synthesize monoclinic Fe-substituted Ni-rich PBA (H-PBA) cathodes for Na-ion storage. The as-designed H-PBA cathode combines the merits of the low strain of a Ni-based PBA framework and the enhanced capacity of N-Fe3+/Fe2+ redox sites. It can achieve superior sodium-storage performance in terms of capacity, rate capability, and cycle stability. Moreover, ex situ measurements reveal that solid solution (2.0-3.0 V) and phase-transition (3.0-4.0 V) reactions occur during the charge/discharge process to allow almost 1.5 Na+ storage in the H-PBA lattice. Meanwhile, the H-PBA//NaTi2(PO4)3@C full cell also delivers remarkable electrochemical properties. Prospectively, this work would promote the practical application of SIBs in grid-scale electric energy storage.

Achieving reversible Mn2+/Mn4+ double redox couple through anionic substitution in a P2-type layered oxide cathode

P2-type Mn-based layered oxides have emerged as promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, the incorporation of Mn3+ cations induce severe Jahn-Teller (J-T) effect, which seriously distorts the localized lattice structure and results in insufficient battery performance. Herein, we successfully introduce reversible Mn2+/Mn4+ double redox couple into P2-type Na0.6Mg0.3Mn0.7O2 cathode with suppressed J-T effect through F anion doping strategy. The comprehensive results clearly suggest that F-substitution with an appropriate amount enlarges the interlayer spacing and reduces the band gap, resulting in accelerated charge transfer kinetics. In addition, the strong interaction between Mn and F suppresses the Mn2+ dissolution at discharged states and promotes the reversible conversion from Mn2+ to Mn4+ at charged states, leading to ameliorated J-T effect and enhanced electrochemical performance. Moreover, the oxygen redox reaction is also enhanced through F anion doping strategy. Our present study provides an effective avenue to address the J-T effect by introducing reversible Mn2+/Mn4+ double redox couple in Mn-based oxides, which is expected to revive this cathode family toward practical applications of SIBs.

Carbon-coated sodium vanadium phosphate for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Room temperature sodium ion batteries are feasible for large energy storage equipment because they are both safe and inexpensive. However, the low electronic conductivity of sodium ion battery cathode material is an inherent flaw. Here, the solid-phase carbothermal reduction method was used to create Na3V2(PO4)3/C composites coated with four different carbon sources (Vc, maltose, sucrose, and PEG-2000). XRD and SEM were used to examine the crystal structure and microstructure; the electrochemical properties of four samples were examined using a constant current charge discharge test and AC impedance spectroscopy. As a result, the samples coated with PEG-2000 were identified to have an excellent microstructure and good electrochemical properties. Specifically, the discharge capacity decays from 103.9 mAh/g to 93.4 mAh/g after 340 cycles, and the corresponding capacity retention rate is 89.89%. Moreover, the outstanding electrochemical performance of Na3V2(PO4)3/C composites demonstrates that it is a promising material for the practical application of sodium-ion batteries.

Microspherical copper tetrathiovanadate with stable binding site as ultra-rate and extended longevity anode for sodium-ion half/full batteries

Vanadium sulfides are appeared and investigated for the application of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their adjustable structure and high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, their inferior sodiation/desodiation kinetics during cycling and convoluted Na+ storage mechanism severely restricts their application in SIBs. Herein, a facile one-step hydrothermal approach is applied to synthesize interconnected and homogeneous Cu3VS4 microspheres with enhanced intrinsic conductivity, which is beneficial for improving electrochemical kinetics and modulation the stress relief. As applied in SIBs, the Cu3VS4 delivers a high capacity of 500 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. Impressively, an ultra-stable capacity of 274 mAh g−1 after 25,000 cycles of Cu3VS4 can be achieved at 20 A g−1. The first-principles calculations are detailed given to confirm the sodium storage mechanism and extended longevity of the Cu3VS4. A Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode is constructed to assemble the full cell, also exhibiting a magnificent energy density of 171 Wh kg−1 and remarkable cycling stability (5000 cycles). We first time show the comprehensive understanding of superior SIBs performance of Cu3VS4 from both experimental and theoretical perspectives, giving the possibility for the next-generation advanced energy storage device.

NaCl-pinned antimony nanoparticles combined with ion-shuttle-induced graphitized 3D carbon to boost sodium storage

Abundant sodium resources provide compelling competitive advantage for sodium-ion battery (SIBs) applications. Correspondingly, it is urgently required to develop high-performance and low-cost anode materials for SIBs. Here, we report a composite of antimony nanoparticles anchored on N/S co-doped 3D carbon for superior SIB anodes. During the synthesis, NaCl exerts a “pinning effect” to restrict the growth of antimony in the carbon matrix and results in nano-sized antimony particles. Given the enhanced-charge/ion-transfer kinetics ensured by nano-Sb and the structural advantages derived from the N/S co-doped 3D porous carbon, which not only remain robust upon cycling but also undergo graphitization by the ion shuttle effect to stimulate a stronger electrochemical response during the activation process, this composite maintains a 98.9% capacity ratio over 20,000 cycles at 10 A g -1 . Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the degree of graphitization has a linear relationship with the ionic radius. • NaCl can serve as a “reaction platform” to inhibit antimony migration and growth • The carbon matrix is graphitized due to the ion shuttle effect upon cycling • The electrode exhibits a capacity retention rate of 98.9% over 20,000 cycles at 10 A g -1 Nano-engineered active materials and the structural evolution of carbon can influence electrochemical properties of composites. Chen et al. report that NaCl can inhibit the growth and aggregation of antimony particles and that carbon graphitization is determined by the ionic radius. Correspondingly, the antimony-carbon electrode exhibits excellent sodium storage properties.

Tea-derived carbon materials as anode for high-performance sodium ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIB) have attracted widespread attention in large-scale energy storage fields owing to the abundant reserve in the earth and similar properties of sodium to lithium. Biomass-based carbon materials with low-cost, controllable structure, simple processing technology, and environmental friendliness tick almost all the right boxes as one of the promising anode materials for SIB. Herein, we present a simple novel strategy involving tea tomenta biomass-derived carbon anode with enhanced interlayer carbon distance (0.44 nm) and high performance, which is constructed by N,P co-doped hard carbon (Tea-1100-NP) derived from tea tomenta. The prepared Tea-1100-NP composite could deliver a high reversible capacity (326.1 mAh/g at 28 mA/g), high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE = 90% at 28 mA/g), stable cycle life (262.4 mAh/g at 280 mA/g for 100 cycles), and superior rate performance (224.5 mAh/g at 1400 mA/g). Experimental results show that the excellent electrochemical performance of Tea-1100-NP due to the high number of active N,P-containing groups, and disordered amorphous structures provide ample active sites and increase the conductivity, meanwhile, large amounts of microporous shorten the Na+ diffusion distance as well as quicken ion transport. This work provides a new type of N,P co-doped high-performance tomenta-derived carbon, which may also greatly promote the commercial application of SIB.

Reversible multielectron redox in NASICON cathode with high energy density for low-temperature sodium-ion batteries

The NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode based on vanadium multiple redox is particularly attractive for large-scale sodium-ion battery application. In this work, it was found that the reversible redox of V4+/V5+ can be activated by replacing a part of V3+ with Al3+, obtaining Na3V1.5Al0.5(PO4)3 with typical NASICON phase structure and offering a reversible specific capacity of 163 mAh g−1 through a three-electron redox reaction with a small volume change (2.62%). The most surprising thing is that in addition to favorable room temperature electrochemical performance, Na3V1.5Al0.5(PO4)3 also exhibits a superior low temperature (-20 °C) cycling stability with a capacity retention of 98.9% after 1000 cycles at 5 C. Thin and conformal CEI film as well as stable phase structure across a broad temperature range are responsible for this superior electrochemical property. A Na+ storage mechanism consisting of two-phase and solid-solution electrochemical reactions for Na3V1.5Al0.5(PO4)3 cathode is elucidated via ex-situ XRD structural analysis. DFT calculations indicate that Al3+ substitution could manipulate the localized electronic state and strengthen the oxygen ligand skeleton in the NASICON matrix. Hence, the Na3V1.5Al0.5(PO4)3 cathode renders a slight lattice variation upon the repeated desodiation and sodiation and enhanced Na+ diffusion rate along with low charge transfer resistance.

Interlayer-Expanded MoS2 Nanoflowers Vertically Aligned on MXene@Dual-Phased TiO2 as High-Performance Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

As a promising energy-storage and conversion anode material for high-power sodium-ion batteries operated at room temperature, the practical application of layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is hindered by volumetric expansion during cycling. To address this issue, a rational design of MoS2 with enlarged lattice spacing aligned vertically on hierarchically porous Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets with partially oxidized rutile and anatase dual-phased TiO2 (MoS2@MXene@D-TiO2) composites via one-step hydrothermal method without following anneal process is reported. This unique "plane-to-surface" structure accomplishes hindering MoS2 from aggregating and restacking, enabling sufficient electrode/electrolyte interaction simultaneously. Meanwhile, the heterogeneous structure among dual-phased TiO2, MoS2, and MXene could constitute a built-in electric field, promoting high Na+ transportation. As a result, the as-constructed 3D MoS2@MXene@D-TiO2 heterostructure delivers admirable high-rate reversible capacity (359.6 mAh g-1 up to 5 A g-1) at room temperature, excellent cycling stability (about 200 mAh g-1) at a low temperature of -30 °C, and superior electrochemical performance in Na+ full batteries by coupling with a Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode. This ingenious design is clean and facile to inspire the potential of advanced low-dimensional heterogeneous structure electrode materials in the application of high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

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

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.