Authors: Yihang Liu, Qingzhou Liu, Cheng Jian, Dingzhou Cui, Mingrui Chen, Zhen Li, Teng Li, Tom Nilges, Kai He, Zheng Jia, Chongwu Zhou
Published: 2020-05-20
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16077-z
Source: Full article
AbstractRed phosphorus offers a high theoretical sodium capacity and has been considered as a candidate anode for sodium-ion batteries. Similar to silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the electrochemical performance of red phosphorus is plagued by the large volume variation upon sodiation. Here we perform in situ transmission electron microscopy analysis of the synthesized red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofibers with the corresponding chemo-mechanical simulation, revealing that, the sodiated red phosphorus becomes softened with a “liquid-like” mechanical behaviour and gains superior malleability and deformability against pulverization. The encapsulation strategy of the synthesized red-phosphorus-impregnated carbon nanofibers has been proven to be an effective method to minimize the side reactions of red phosphorus in sodium-ion batteries, demonstrating stable electrochemical cycling. Our study provides a valid guide towards high-performance red-phosphorus-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries.