Sb₂O₃ nanoparticles anchored on N-doped graphene nanoribbons as improved anode for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion technology, due to the abundance of sodium resources. Still, major drawbacks for the commercial application of SIBs lie in the slow kinetic processes and poor cycling performance of the devices. In this work, a hybrid nanocomposite of Sb₂O₃ nanoparticles anchored on N-doped graphene nanoribbons (GNR) is implemented as anode material in SIBs. The obtained Sb₂O₃/N-GNR anode delivers a reversible specific capacity of 642 mA h g^-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1 and exhibits a good rate capability. Even after 500 cycles at 5 A g^-1, the specific capacity is maintained at about 405 mA h g^-1. Such good Na storage performance is mainly ascribed to the beneficial effect of N doping for charge transfer and to the improved microstructure that facilitates the Na⁺ diffusion through the overall electrode.