Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as power sources
for large-scale
storage owing to their abundant and inexpensive sodium (Na) source,
but their limited energy density hinders their commercialization.
High-capacity anode materials, such as antimony (Sb), which are potential
energy boosters for SIBs, suffer from battery degradation owing to
large-volume-changes and structural instability. The rational design
of bulk Sb-based anodes to enhance the initial reversibility and electrode
density inevitably requires atomic- and microscale-considered internal/external
buffering or passivation layers. However, unsuitable buffer engineering
causes electrode degradation and lowers energy density. Herein, the
rationally designed intermetallic inner and outer oxide buffers for
bulk Sb anodes are reported. The two chemistries in the synthesis
process provide an atomic-scale aluminum (Al) buffer within the dense
microparticles and an external mechanically stabilizing dual oxide
layer. The prepared nonporous bulk Sb anode maintained excellent reversible
capacity at a high current density and Na-ion full battery evaluations
with Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP)
showing negligible capacity decay over 100 cycles. The demonstrated
buffer designs for commercially favorable micro-sized Sb and intermetallic
AlSb shed light on the stabilization of high-capacity or large-volume-change
electrode materials for various metal-ion rechargeable batteries.
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