Yolk-Shell Sb2S3@C Hollow Microspheres with Controllable Interiors for High Space Utilization and Structural Stability of Na-Storage

Structural stability, space utilization and appropriate working potentials are the most crucial parameters for evaluating the practical application of various electrode materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). To obtain a high-performance anode material for SIBs, a novel Sb2S3@carbon composite with unique and controllable hollow microspherical structures is prepared through a facile and large-scalable approach. By adjusting the precursor concentrations, yolk-shell and simple hollow Sb2S3@carbon microspheres are obtained respectively. The formation mechanisms of different hollow interiors are discussed. It is found that simple hollow Sb2S3@carbon microspheres tend to collapse into fragments when being used as the anode materials of SIBs, leading to severe electrolyte decomposition and high charge-transfer resistance. In contrast, yolk-shell Sb2S3@carbon not only possesses high space utilization, but also preserves the microspherical structure well after long-term sodiation/desodiation reactions, endowing it with high capacity, good cycling stability, and fast charge/discharge capability.

Automated summary

In evaluating the practical application of electrode materials in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), factors such as structural stability, space utilization, and appropriate working potentials are crucial. This study demonstrates the preparation of a novel Sb2S3@carbon composite with unique and controllable hollow microspherical structures. The yolk-shell structure exhibits higher performance in terms of capacity, cycling stability, and charge/discharge capabilities compared to the simple hollow structure.