Hybrid-cyanogels induced sandwich-like N,P-carbon/SnNi₁₀P₃ for excellent lithium storage

Abstract

We have developed a novel sandwich-like nanostructure where SnNi₁₀P₃ particles are intimately confined within flexible N,P-codoped bilayer carbon membranes (SnNi₁₀P₃@N,P-C) via using SnNi-based hybrid-cyanogels as the precursor, followed by freeze-drying and pyrolysis. The cyano-bridges can effectively capture metal cations within the composite cyanogels, which facilitates the formation of a carbon-encapsulated sandwich-like architecture. The sandwiched SnNi₁₀P₃@N,P-C is demonstrated to be an outstanding lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries anode material with superior reversible capacity and long cycle stability. The flexible N,P-codoped bilayer carbon membranes not only afford fast charge transfer pathway but also inhibit the aggregation of SnNi₁₀P₃ active component and buffer the mechanical strain during lithiation/delithiation.