New Nanoconfined Galvanic Replacement Synthesis of Hollow Sb@C Yolk–Shell Spheres Constituting a Stable Anode for High-Rate Li/Na-Ion Batteries

Abstract

In the current research project, we have prepared a novel Sb@C nanosphere anode with biomimetic yolk-shell structure for Li/Na-ion batteries via a nanoconfined galvanic replacement route. The yolk-shell microstructure consists of Sb hollow yolk completely protected by a well-conductive carbon thin shell. The substantial void space in the these hollow Sb@C yolk-shell particles allows for the full volume expansion of inner Sb while maintaining the framework of the Sb@C anode and developing a stable SEI film on the outside carbon shell. As for Li-ion battery anode, they displayed a large specific capacity (634 mAh g^-1), high rate capability (specific capabilities of 622, 557, 496, 439, and 384 mAh g^-1 at 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 mA g^-1, respectively) and stable cycling performance (a specific capacity of 405 mAh g^-1 after long 300 cycles at 1000 mA g^-1). As for Na-ion storage, these yolk-shell Sb@C particles also maintained a reversible capacity of approximate 280 mAh g^-1 at 1000 mA g^-1 after 200 cycles.