MnSe embedded in carbon nanofibers as advanced anode material for sodium ion batteries

MnSe with high theoretical capacity and reversibility is considered as a promising material for the anode of sodium ion batteries. In this study, MnSe nanoparticles embedded in 1D carbon nanofibers (MnSe-NC) are successfully prepared via facile electrospinning and subsequent selenization. A carbon framework can effectively protect MnSe dispersed in it from agglomeration and can accommodate volume variation in the conversion reaction between MnSe and Na⁺ to guarantee cycling stability. The 1D fiber structure can increase the area of contact between electrode and electrolyte to shorten the diffusion path of Na⁺ and facilitate its transfer. According to the kinetic analysis, the storage process of sodium by MnSe-NC is a surface pseudocapacitive-controlled process with promising rate capability. Impressively, An MnSe-NC anode in sodium ion full cells is investigated by pairing with an Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂@rGO cathode, which exhibits a reversible capacity of 195 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1.