Mesoporous NaTi2(PO4)3/CMK-3 nanohybrid as anode for long-life Na-ion batteries

Abstract

In this work, a solvothermal strategy combined with following calcination was developed to synthesize a mesoporous NaTi₂(PO₄)₃/CMK-3 (NTP/C) nanohybrid as a high-performance anode for next-generation Na-ion batteries (NIBs). Physicochemical characterizations demonstrated that NASICON-type structured NaTi₂(PO₄)₃ (NTP) nanoparticles (NPs) with high crystallinity were homogeneously embedded in the mesoporous CMK-3 matrix. The mesoporous NTP/C nanohybrid as the anode for NIBs exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with high charge–discharge capability, good rate performance and long cycle life in non-aqueous electrolytes. The nanohybrid electrode delivered large specific capacities of 101, 76, 58, 39 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 C, respectively, and retained it as high as 62.9 mA h g⁻¹ even after 1000 cycles at 0.5 C. Compared to the pure NTP electrode, the mesoporous NTP/C hybrid anode with unique “meso–nano” architecture exhibited better Na-storage ability and indicated its promising application for rechargeable NIBs.