Three-dimensional VS4 consisting of uniform nanosheets as excellent anode material for sodium ion batteries

Abstract Recently, VS4 with advanced sodium storage performance has attracted researchers’ attention. Herein, VS4 with a 3D structure composed of uniform nanosheets is successfully prepared through a simple solvothermal method. SEM and TEM images exhibit that VS4 with a perfect 3D structure can be obtained at 180 °C after 20 h (VS4-20 h). Benefiting from the perfect 3D structure, VS4-20 h presents excellent sodium storage performance. It delivers a reversible capacity of 472 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. Moreover even tested at a higher current density of 1A g−1, a stable reversible capacity of 410 mA h g−1 can be retained after 400 cycles. Additionally, the VS4-20 h electrode also shows a high initial coulombic efficiency (82.2%) and outstanding rate-performance (345 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 and 288 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1). The simple preparation method in this work and excellent electrochemical performance endow the VS4 electrode as a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries.