Phosphorus-doped hollow carbon sphere derived from phytic acid for superior sodium-ion batteries

Sustainable biomass-derived carbonaceous material plays an intriguing and promising role in the development of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) electrodes. Herein, we report a low-cost anode material of phosphorus-doped hollow carbon sphere derived from phytic acid (P-HCS). Being tested as the anode in SIB, it shows high capacity, outstanding cycle life, and excellent cycling stability. The P-HCS electrode delivers an initial charge capacity of 278 mAh g−1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1, and 234 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 300 cycles. Moreover, compared with hollow carbon sphere (HCS), the P-HCS exhibited much superior rate capability, with a good capacity retention of 90% at a current density of 500 mA g−1 after 150 cycles.