Rational design of Sn-Sb-S composite with yolk-shell hydrangea-like structure as advanced anode material for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract To circumvent the poor cycling stability of 2D layered metal sulfide, a novel yolk-shell hydrangea-like Sn-Sb-S microflower composite self-assembled by nanosheets, was successfully designed and fabricated as anode material for sodium-ion batteries. Without any introduction of carbonaceous materials, the Sn-Sb-S microflower composite could possess prominent sodium-ion storage properties through constructing Sb-rich phase with superior cycling stability as the protective shell to envelop the higher-capacity yolk Sn-rich phase. The yolk-shell Sn-Sb-S microflower composite exhibits a first discharge capacity of 1601.1 mAh/g. A highly reversible capacity of >600 mAh/g with a favorable and safe average voltage of ∼0.6 V was achieved, constituting a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries.