Synergistically enhanced sodium/potassium ion storage performance of SnSb alloy particles confined in three-dimensional carbon framework

In this work, an efficient composite of SnSb alloy particles confined in three-dimensional porous carbon framework (SnSb@C) is rationally designed and fabricated by means of NaCl template-assisted in situ freeze-drying treatment and subsequent thermal reduction method. Benefit from rational material design and the excellent structural features of the active materials, the SnSb@C can deliver a high initial reversible capacity of 457 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, and excellent cycling stability with capacity retention of 84% after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1, when evaluated as an anode material for SIBs. Meanwhile, the SnSb@C electrode can also deliver a high reversible discharge capacity of 293 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles in PIBs with good rate capability and impressive cycling performance. These results demonstrated that the SnSb@C composite is a promising anode material for future high-performance SIBs and PIBs.