Graphene-Protected 3D Sb-based Anodes Fabricated via Electrostatic Assembly and Confinement Replacement for Enhanced Lithium and Sodium Storage

Abstract

Alloy anodes have shown great potential for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, these applications are still limited by inherent huge volume changes and sluggish kinetics. To overcome such limitations, graphene-protected 3D Sb-based anodes grown on conductive substrate are designed and fabricated by a facile electrostatic-assembling and subsequent confinement replacement strategy. As binder-free anodes for LIBs, the obtained electrode exhibits reversible capacities of 442 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) and 295 mAh g(-1) at 1000 mA g(-1), and a capacity retention of above 90% (based on the 10th cycle) after 200 cycles at 500 mA g(-1). As for sodium storage properties, the reversible capacities of 517 mAh g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1) and 315 mAh g(-1) at 1000 mA g(-1), the capacity retention of 305 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at 300 mA g(-1) are obtained, respectively. Furthermore, the 3D architecture retains good structural integrity after cycling, confirming that the introduction of high-stretchy and robust graphene layers can effectively buffer alloying anodes, and simultaneously provide sustainable contact and protection of the active materials. Such findings show its great potential as superior binder-free anodes for LIBs and SIBs.

Keywords: alloys; batteries; confinement replacement; graphene; nanostructures, anodes.