Regulating lateral Na ions deposition via ag nanoparticles-modified carbon cloth toward dendrite-free Na metal anodes

Sodium (Na) metal with high theoretical specific capacity (1166 mAh g^-1) and low redox potential (-2.714 V vs. SHE) is considered as one of the most promising anode materials for Na-ion batteries. However, its practical application is hindered by dendrite growth and volume expansion. To address these challenges, Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are sputtered onto the surface of a carbon cloth (CC) surface to construct a sodiophilic composite framework (CC/Ag NPs) for Na deposition. With this design, density functional theory calculations reveal that, thermodynamically, Ag NPs enhance Na- ions adsorption and reduce the Na nucleation energy barrier. Kinetically, the sodiophilic Ag NPs lower the Na deposition overpotential, while the porous structure of the CC and the NaF-rich solid electrolyte interphase facilitate Na-ions diffusion, synergistically promoting uniform Na grain growth. Additionally, the Ag NPs can adsorb fluorine, inducing the formation of a NaF-rich interface that improves interfacial stability. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations and morphological observations further confirm that the sodiophilic framework effectively suppresses dendrite formation. Consequently, CC/Ag NPs-Na||Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ full cells retain a capacity of 90 mAh g^-1 after 400 cycles at 1C. This work provides a reference for designing advanced 3D frameworks for Na deposition.