Antimony Selenide Nanorods Decorated on Reduced Graphene Oxide with Excellent Electrochemical Properties for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

A promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) consisting of Sb₂Se₃ nanorods and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets has been prepared by an effective solvothermal approach. The synergetic effect between Sb₂Se₃ nanorods and rGO matrix provides not only high conductivity paths and strong electron contact interface, but also alleviates the volume change of Sb₂Se₃ nanorods, resulting in excellent lithium-storage performance. When tested as an anode material for LIBs, a high capacity of 868.30 mAh g⁻¹ can be retained after 100 cycles at 200 mA g⁻¹. Even at 2000 mA g⁻¹, a satisfactory capacity of 430.40 mAh g⁻¹ after long 550 cycles can be delivered. Ex situ X-ray diffraction study suggests that the Sb₂Se₃/rGO composite follows the combined Li⁺ intercalation, conversion reaction and alloying reaction mechanism. These features suggest the Sb₂Se₃/rGO composite a viable choice for application as an anode material in high-performance LIBs.