Micro/Nanostructure-Dependent Electrochemical Performances of Sb2O3 Micro-Bundles as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as promising next-generation energy storage devices due to their decent theoretical energy density and especially low cost. Here, micro/nanostructured Sb2O3 micro-bundles consisting of many abreast nanoribbons were prepared via a simple hydrothermal route. In this unique structure, both ends of Sb2O3 nanoribbons with the thickness of similar to 50nm scatter with each other and extend radially from the center point, which not only reserves more space between nanoribbons to accommodate volume changes, but also provides plenty of open channels to facilitate the intimate contact of active species, conductive agents and electrolytes, thus efficiently shortening diffusion paths of Na+/e(-). Evaluated as anode materials for SIBs, Sb2O3 micro-bundles delivered outstanding electrochemical performance: high reversible capacity, superb rate capability, and stable cyclic ability. To get more insight, both the morphology evolution and the effect on electrochemical performance were explored as well, which further verified the significance of designing micro/nanostructured electrode materials in advanced energy storage fields.