Design strategies in metal chalcogenides anode materials for high-performance sodium-ion battery

In recent decades, advances in sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology have contributed immensely to energy production and storage technologies. Along with innovation of electrode materials for SIBs, the research focus has gradually shifted to metal chalcogenide anode materials for high performance. The metal chalcogenide exhibits high capacity due to conversion or alloying mechanism. Consequently, large volume expansion and low electric conductivity lead to inferior cycle and rate performance. In this review, we summarized recent development on the strategy of improving electrochemical sodium storage behavior for metal chalcogenide anode materials; followed by analyzing corresponding structural features and reaction mechanisms comprehensive. Generally, the common and effective methods include architecture design at nanoscale, compound with carbon material, rational and unique array structure, the control of cut-off voltage and heteroatom doping. Particular attention is placed on the design of nanocomposite arrays with various carbon matrices, which can remarkably enhance conductivity and structural stability. Finally, we discussed current challenges and proposed future directions for SIBs. This benefits to further investigation and improvement of metal chalcogenide anodes for SIBs in scientific and practical applications. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.