Easy encapsulation of Sn4P3 nanoparticles into honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon matrix with enhanced electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries

Tin phosphide (Sn 4 P 3 ) has arisen to be an anode material toward lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with great potential for its high theoretic Li-storage capacity. Nevertheless, unavoidable capacity fading as well as poor rate capability have severely hindered the extended application of Sn 4 P 3 . In this paper, a hierarchical hybrid (Sn 4 P 3 -NC) has been fabricated by an easy freeze-drying followed by an annealing and phosphorization treatment. In this hybrid, Sn 4 P 3 nanoparticles are well encapsulated into honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks. Porous carbon provides multiple electron expressway and robust mechanical support. Furthermore, Sn 4 P 3 nanoparticles are well confined in carbon matrix so as to effectively alleviate the volume expansion. Having profited from the desirable nanostructures and significantly enhanced synergetic effect, Sn 4 P 3 -NC as an anode for LIB achieves an extremely improved electrochemical property . A high capacity of ~881 mAh g −1 could be retained after 150 cycles at 100 mA g −1 and an enhanced rate and cycle performance with the discharge capacity of ~507 mAh g −1 at 1000 mA g −1 through 400 cycles is also exhibited.