The C-Bi x SnSb composite toward fast-charging and long-life sodium-ion batteries

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) fitted with high -rate and high -capacity anodes are attractive for their higher energy density and faster charging capability. However, it is still a challenge to develop high-energy SIBs with high power and long life, due to the sluggish kinetic and limited Na + insertion in electrode materials. The inherent crystal structure and constituent element are two important factors to resolve the critical issues faced above. Taking the merits of layer -structure and middle -entropy, herein, we proposed and designed a high ionconductive composite combing with ternary alloy and layered Bi x SnSb@C nanofibers, which eliminate ion migration barriers while maintaining the structural framework for superior rate property and cycle stability. Used as anode for SIBs, the multiphase Bi x SnSb@C with adjustable Bi content exhibits excellent Na storage capability as compared to their single phase counterpart. Specially, up to a rate of 132C (50 A g -1 ), the capacity is still as high as 400 mAh g -1 , meanwhile, after 5000 charge and discharge cycles at a current density of 12C, the capacity still maintains 85 % of its initial capacity, which outperform the individual Bi- or SnSb-based materials. The superior electrochemical performances originate from the middle -entropy nature and layer structure of BiSnSb alloy, which can provide more channels for fast Na + transport, and accommodate large volume changes. Besides, the activity energy and ions transport resistance of Na + in different composites were evaluated. Furthermore, the full -cell coupled with NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 as cathode was formed and a capacity retention of -80 % is realized in 100 cycles. The results show that the Bi x SnSb@C is a potential anode for fastcharging Na-ion batteries and could be used to guide the design of multi -component alloy -base anodes.