Sb/C composite as a high-performance anode for sodium ion batteries

•Sb/C composite was prepared via a novel method with alginate as precursor.•Sb/C composite has porous and excellent carbon coating structure.•This process shows unique role in formation of the structure.•Sb/C composite shows outstanding electrochemical performance for SIBs.

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as promising alternative to lithium ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage. However, their inferior electrochemical performances, especially cyclability and rate capability become the major challenge for further development of SIBs. Herein, Sb/C composite prepared via an efficient and facile method with alginate as precursor has been evaluated as anode material for sodium ion batteries. This method shows unique role in formation of porous Sb/C composite, controlling the particle size and achieving excellent carbon coating. Such a composite demonstrates high specific capacity (423 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), good rate capability (226 mAh g−1 at 15 A g−1), and excellent cycle life (81.4% capacity retention for 200 cycles at 2 A g−1). The facile synthesis and superior electrochemical performance of the Sb/C composite render it a promising anode material for high-performance SIBs. Furthermore, our study shows a feasible and effective way to prepare transition metal (oxides) and porous carbon nanocomposite for SIBs.

Graphical abstractSb/C composite prepared via a facile method with alginate as precursor demonstrates high specific capacity and good rate capability.Download high-res image (204KB)Download full-size image