Scalable synthesis of Sb/MoS₂/C composite as high performance anode material for lithium ion batteries

Metal Sb is considered as alternative candidate anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high capacity, but the significant volume expansion during the charge and discharge process cause poor stability seriously influencing on the practical application in batteries. Herein, a facile and scalable method is developed for preparation of Sb/MoS₂/C composite using the cubic NaCl particles as template. The Sb nanoparticles embedded deeply in carbon nanosheets buffer the internal stress caused by the volume expansion of Sb and avoid the direct exposure of electrolyte to the Sb nanoparticles. The MoS₂ nanoparticles can provide more active sites to store more Li⁺ and speed up the migration rate of Li⁺. Tested as an anode material, the Sb/MoS₂/C composite shows outstanding rate capability (763 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹, 642.2 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, 544 mA h g⁻¹ at 1.0 A g⁻¹, 459 mA h g⁻¹ at 2.0 A g⁻¹ and 353 mA h g⁻¹ at 5.0 A g⁻¹) and long cycling stability (a high capacity of 679.5 mA h g⁻¹ is achieved at 0.2 A g⁻¹ after 250 cycles). - Highlights: • Sb/MoS₂/C composite was obtained by a facile and scalable method. • The carbon nanosheets can maintain the structural stability of the composite. • The MoS₂ nanoparticles can offer more active sites for lithium ions storage. • Excellent cycling stability and outstanding rate capability were obtained for the Sb/MoS₂/C anode.