Porous NaTi2(PO4)3 nanoparticles coated with a thin carbon layer for sodium-ion batteries with enhanced rate and cycling performance

Exploring suitable electrode materials with high rate capability and long-term cycling stability for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is of great importance but still challenging. In this work, we report a facile strategy to synthesize the nanocomposite of porous NaTi2(PO4)(3) nanoparticles coated with a thin carbon layer (NTP/C). The unique structural and component merits endow the NTP/C nanocomposite with excellent charge transfer kinetics and enhanced structural stability. Compared with the pristine NTP nanoparticles, the NTP/C nanocomposite exhibits significant enhanced rate capability (108.9 mA h g (1) at 0.2C and 55.0 mA h g (1) at 20C) and long-term cycling performance (capacity retention of 78.8% after 2000 cycles at 10C). The electrochemical results indicate the NTP/C nanocomposite could be a high-performance anode material for SIBs. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.