Sb₂S₃ embedded in carbon–silicon oxide nanofibers as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries

Based on the conversion and alloying reactions, antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) with a theoretical discharge specific capacity of 946 mAh g⁻¹ is a hopeful anode material for lithium/sodium ion batteries. Nevertheless, the poor electronic conductivity of Sb₂S₃ and the serious volume expansion during alloying reaction bring about the rapid capacity fading, which severely hinder its practical application. The design of morphology/structure and/or combining with carbon materials is the common strategies to address these issues. Herein, a simple electrospinning technology coupled with hydrothermal reaction is employed to synthesize the Sb₂S₃/carbon-silicon oxide (Sb₂S₃/CS) nanofibers for the first time. The obtained Sb₂S₃/CS nanofibers show superior lithium/sodium storage properties. Specifically, the Sb₂S₃/CS electrode maintains a high discharge specific capacity of 566 mAh g⁻¹ under 200 mA g⁻¹ after 200 cycles in lithium-ion batteries. For sodium storage, the Sb₂S₃/CS electrode obtains a discharge specific capacity of 321 mAh g⁻¹ under 200 mA g⁻¹ over 200 cycles. One-dimensional Sb₂S₃/CS nanofibers with good electronic conductivity accelerate the transport of ions and electrons, and effectively buffer the volume change of Sb₂S₃ nanoparticles during electrochemical reaction process, bringing about the excellent electrochemical properties.