Recent advances in nanostructured metal phosphides as promising anode materials for rechargeable batteries

Abstract

Recently, metal phosphides have been extensively investigated as promising anode materials for rechargeable batteries because of their good electrical conductivities and favorable electrochemical performances. These materials usually exhibit conversion-type (and alloying-type) lithium, sodium, or potassium storage mechanisms, thereby delivering large specific capacities. However, the cycling performances of phosphide anodes require further enhancement to satisfy the requirements of practical applications. Further, the large-scale production of pure-phase, stable metal phosphides for commercialization are also limited. This review briefly summarizes the recent advances in the facile synthesis of metal phosphides and their potential applications as anode materials in rechargeable Li-, Na-, and K-ion batteries. To accommodate the diversified and rigid requirements in different secondary batteries, various nanostructures and architectures ranging from zero dimensions to three dimensions, such as nanoparticles, core–shells, nanowires, layered structures, and composite electrodes (formed with conductive carbon, carbon nanotubes, and graphene), have been used in metal phosphides to improve their rate and cycling performances. In the end, we conclude the current concerns and future development with respect to practical applications of metal phosphide anodes in rechargeable batteries.