A bioconfined synthesis strategy of Sb2S3@N–doped carbon ribbons for boosting ultralong–life sodium storage

Reducing the synthesis costs of electrode materials and improving their electrochemical performance remain key issues regarding the application of sodium–ion batteries (SIBs) in large–scale energy storage devices. Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising anode material for SIBs because of its high theoretical capacity. However, its poor electrical conductivity and volume expansion hinder its practical application. Aspergillus niger is an environmentally friendly, low–cost, and renewable fungus with a one–dimensional (1D) structure, it has high application value as a natural carbon source in energy storage materials. Herein, Sb2S3 composite N–doped carbon ribbons (Sb2S3@NCRs) are prepared using Aspergillus niger via the gas–phase sulfuration method. These Sb2S3@NCRs show excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials for SIBs. Using Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) as the counter electrode, here Sb2S3@NCRs//NVP is show to maintain a reversible specific capacity of 208 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles. In addition, the step–wise transformation and alloying reactions of Sb2S3@NCRs were verify using in situ X–ray diffraction (XRD) tests. This simple and inexpensive synthesis method provides a new strategy for creating other low–cost large–scale energy storage materials.