Synthesis of amorphous SeP2/C composite by plasma assisted ball milling for high-performance anode materials of lithium and sodium-ion batteries

To promote substantially the performances of red phosphorous (P) anode for lithium and sodium-ion batteries, a simple plasma assisted milling (P-milling) method was used to in-situ synthesize SeP2/C composite. The results showed that the amorphous SeP2/C composite exhibits the excellent lithium and sodium storage performances duo to the small nano-granules size and complete combination of selenium (Se) and phosphorous (P) to generate Se-P alloy phase. It was observed that inside the granules of SeP2/C composite the nanometer size of the SeP2 particles ensured the fast kinetics for Li+ and Na+ transfer, and the amorphous carbon wrapping the SeP2 particles relieved volume expansion during lithium/sodium storage processes and enhances electric conductivity. Therefore, the SeP2/C electrode retained reversible capacities of 700 mA h g(-1) at 2 A g(-1) after 500 cycles and 400 mA h g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) after 400 cycles as anode for LIBs and SIBs, respectively. The result proves that the amorphous SeP2/C composite can be a new type of anode material with great potential for lithium and sodium-ion batteries.

Automated summary

The SeP2/C composite synthesized by plasma-assisted milling method shows excellent lithium and sodium storage performances, with fast ion transfer kinetics and volume expansion inhibition mechanism, indicating great potential as a new type of anode material.