Easy encapsulation of Sn4P3 nanoparticles into honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon matrix with enhanced electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries

Tin phosphide (Sn4P3) has arisen to be an anode material toward lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with great potential for its high theoretic Li-storage capacity. Nevertheless, unavoidable capacity fading as well as poor rate capability have severely hindered the extended application of Sn4P3. In this paper, a hierarchical hybrid (Sn4P3-NC) has been fabricated by an easy freeze-drying followed by an annealing and phosphorization treatment. In this hybrid, Sn4P3 nanoparticles are well encapsulated into honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks. Porous carbon provides multiple electron expressway and robust mechanical support. Furthermore, Sn4P3 nanoparticles are well confined in carbon matrix so as to effectively alleviate the volume expansion. Having profited from the desirable nanostructures and significantly enhanced synergetic effect, Sn4P3-NC as an anode for LIB achieves an extremely improved electrochemical property. A high capacity of similar to 881 mAh g(-1) could be retained after 150 cycles at 100 mA g(-1) and an enhanced rate and cycle performance with the discharge capacity of similar to 507 mAh g(-1) at 1000 mA g(-1) through 400 cycles is also exhibited. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.