journal article·2026-06-25Open access

Leveraging the Amorphous Nature of Sn–P Alloys for Improved Stability and Energy Density in Na‐Ion Batteries

Yixiang Zhang, Libin Zhang, Animesh Dutta, Ziwei Ye, Ben Tang, Michel Johnson, Nafiseh Zaker, Babak Shalchi‐Amirkhiz, Changlong Chen, J. R. Dahn, Chongyin Yang

Abstract

ABSTRACT Developing alternative anode materials is a key route to improve the volumetric energy density of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Here, Sn–P alloys with varying Sn/P atomic ratios are systematically evaluated as Na‐alloy anodes. Among them, SnP 3 outperforms all other alloys and offers the best balance between cost, volumetric capacity and cycling stability. SnP 3 can be made in either amorphous or crystalline forms. Crystalline SnP 3 becomes amorphous on sodiation and remains amorphous during cycling. Amorphous Na x SnP 3 shows a solid‐solution‐type and highly reversible sodiation/desodiation behavior, demonstrating exceptional cycling performance and structural stability. As comparison, the crystalline Sn 4 P 3 phase dealloys to Sn and a phosphorus containing phase upon repeated sodiation/desodiation, showing rapid capacity decay and severe particle pulverization. These findings highlight amorphous SnP 3 as a promising high‐energy‐density anode material for SIBs and provide valuable insights into how an amorphous structure influences Na‐alloy behavior.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advancements in Battery Materials · Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies · Thermal Expansion and Ionic Conductivity

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

Department of Mechanical Engineering Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

Department of Chemical Engineering Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

CanmetMATERIALS Natural Resources Canada Hamilton Ontario Canada

Funding

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

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