Constructing High-Content Sb Atomic Clusters and Robust Sb─O─C Bond in Sb/C Composites for Ultrahigh Rate and Long-Term Sodium Storage

Constructing Sb atomic clusters with obvious size effect in Sb/C composites has great potential for boosting electrochemical reactivity toward ultrahigh rate and long-term sodium storage. However, how to balance the contradiction between ultra-small size of Sb atomic clusters and high loading in a specific Sb/C composite is an unprecedented challenge. Here, a facile in situ vaporization-reduction strategy is presented for preparing Sb atomic clusters@N, S co-doped carbon networks (Sb ACs@NSC). Featuring the high content of Sb atomic clusters (45.30 wt%, ICP) with superior electrochemical activity, robust Sb─O─C bond and N, S co-doped conductive carbon matrix, the Sb ACs@NSC electrode possessed ultrafast electrochemical kinetics and impressive long-term cycling stability for providing unprecedented rate capability of 245.7 mAh g −1 at ultrahigh rate of 80 A g −1 and maintaining highlighted capacity of 306.7 mAh g −1 after 1000 cycles under 10 A g −1 , outperforming all reported Sb-based materials for SIBs. The DFT calculations further revealed that the Sb─O─C bond and N, S co-doped carbon matrix are beneficial for stable adsorption capabilities and fast electrochemical kinetics of Na + . The designing compromised dense Sb atomic clusters and powerful interface bond will light on developing advanced atomic materials for energy storage and conversion.