One-step hydrothermal synthesis of Sb 2 S 3 /reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for high-performance sodium ion batteries anode materials

Abstract Sb 2 S 3 /reduced graphene oxide (SSR) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through a facile one-step hydrothermal process, as used as anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The characterization and electrochemical performance of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, respectively. The results show that the introduction of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) can improve the electrochemical performances of SSR nanocomposites. SSR nanocomposites with 10 wt% RGO exhibits the highest reversible capacity of 581.2 mAh g −1 at the current density of 50 mA g −1 after 50 cycles, and excellent rate performance for SIBs. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the smaller Sb 2 S 3 nanoparticles dispersed on RGO crumpled structure and synergetic effects between Sb 2 S 3 and RGO matrix, which can increase specific surface area and improve electrical conductivity, reduce sodium ion diffusion distance, and effectively buffer volume changes during cycling process.