Ultralong Sb₂Se₃ Nanowire-Based Free-Standing Membrane Anode for Lithium/Sodium Ion Batteries

Metal chalcogenides have emerged as promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, a free-standing membrane based on ultralong Sb₂Se₃ nanowires has been successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal synthesis combined with a subsequent vacuum filtration treatment. The as-achieved free-standing membrane constructed by pure Sb₂Se₃ nanowires exhibits good flexibility and integrity. Meanwhile, we investigate the lithium and sodium storage behavior of the Sb₂Se₃ nanowire-based free-standing membrane. When applied as the anode for LIBs, it delivers a reversible capacity of 614 mA h g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1, maintaining 584 mA h g^-1 after 50 cycles. When applied as the anode for SIBs, it delivers a reversible capacity of 360 mA h g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1, retaining 289 mA h g^-1 after 50 cycles. Such difference in electrochemical performance can be attributed to the more complex sodiation process relative to the corresponding lithiation process. This work may provide insight on developing Sb₂Se₃-based anode materials for high-performance LIBs or SIBs.