Porous snSbNps@3D-C anode with improved stability for sodium-ion battery

Nano-sized SnSb particles encapsulated in porous 3D carbon matrix (SnSbNPs@3D-C) is fabricated by a freeze-drying assisted method. Such a sample shows a stable cycling stability (i.e. retaining 96.5% of its first de-sodiation capacity after 100 cycles at 100mA/g) and a good rate capability (i.e. retaining 86.2% of the de-sodiation capacity when the current density increases from 100mA/g to 1A/g). We show experimental evidence that the architecture of nano-sized SnSb residing in porous structure constructed by 3D carbon effectively suppresses the particle pulverization and crack generation in the electrode upon repeated cycling, contributing to the improved electrochemical property.