Amorphous Sb₂S₃ Nanospheres In-Situ Grown on Carbon Nanotubes: Anodes for NIBs and KIBs

Antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) with a high theoretical capacity is considered as a promising candidate for Na-ion batteries (NIBs) and K-ion batteries (KIBs). However, its poor electrochemical activity and structural stability are the main issues to be solved. Herein, amorphous Sb₂S₃ nanospheres/carbon nanotube (Sb₂S₃/CNT) nanocomposites are successfully synthesized via one step self-assembly method. In-situ growth of amorphous Sb₂S₃ nanospheres on the CNTs is confirmed by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The amorphous Sb₂S₃/CNT nanocomposites as an anode for NIBs exhibit excellent electrochemical performance, delivering a high charge capacity of 870 mA h g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1, with an initial coulomb efficiency of 77.8%. Even at 3000 mA g^-1, a charge capacity of 474 mA h g^-1 can be achieved. As an anode for KIBs, the amorphous Sb₂S₃/CNT nanocomposites also demonstrate a high charge capacity of 451 mA h g^-1 at 25 mA g^-1. The remarkable performance of the amorphous Sb₂S₃/CNT nanocomposites is attributed to the synergic effects of the amorphous Sb₂S₃ nanospheres and 3D porous conductive network constructed by the CNTs.