One-step microwave-assisted synthesis of Sb2O3/reduced graphene oxide composites as advanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Sb2O3/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites were prepared through a facile microwave-assisted reduction of graphite oxide in SbCl3 precursor solution, and investigated as anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The experimental results show that a maximum specific capacity of 503 mA h g(-1) is achieved after 50 galvanostatic charge discharge cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) by optimizing the RGO content in the composites and an excellent rate performance is also obtained due to the synergistic effect between Sb2O3 and RGO. The high capacity, superior rate capability and excellent cycling performance of Sb2O3/RGO composites demonstrate their excellent sodium-ion storage ability and show their great potential as electrode materials for SIBs. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.