Heterostructured Cu2S@ZnS/C composite with fast interfacial reaction kinetics for high-performance 3D-printed Sodium-Ion batteries

Abstract Construction of heterogeneous nanostructures for electrode materials has been considered as an efficient approach to improve the associated electrochemical performance, it is thus crucial to rationally design favorable heterostructures and engineer the interface of two phases. We herein report the elaborately design and fabrication of heterostructured nanohybrids with ZnS and carbon coating Cu2S nanoplates (Cu2S@ZnS/C). Such distinctive nanostructures develop the advance heterostructures with carbon decorating can remarkably accelerate electron transfer and ionic diffusion kinetics while guarantee the structural integrity upon sodium ion storage. With these merits, the Cu2S@ZnS/C nanohybrid exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 352 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and long cycle stability with 94.7% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. Electrochemical kinetic analysis and Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate the decreased ions diffusion energy barrier for expediting electrochemical kinetics. Of note, the proof-of-concept 3D printed sodium ion batteries have been set up by coupling the 3D printed Cu2S@ZnS/C anode with 3D printed Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, which are capable of delivering high and stable capacity output.