Self-wrapped Sb/C nanocomposite as anode material for High-performance sodium-ion batteries

Self-wrapping is a facile and highly efficient way to realize evenly coating and homogeneous distribution. Ultrasmall antimony (Sb) nanoparticles embedded in three-dimensional (3D) nitrogen-doped porous carbon matrix are fabricated by self-wrapping and controlled growth process with chitosan (CHI) as a self-wrapping precursor. As anode material for sodium-ion battery, the as-obtained Sb/C-CHI nanocomposite shows an initial discharge capacity of 403 mA h g(-1) with Coulombic efficiency of 69.4%, and retains the capacity up to 372 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current of 500 mA g(-1). A reversible capacity of 138 mA h g(-1) is attained even at a very high current density of 32 A g(-1). This unique Sb/CcH, nanocomposite is a potential anode material for high-performance sodium-ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.