Laminar-protuberant like p-FeS2 rooted in mesoporous carbon sheets as high capacity anode for Na-ion batteries.

Iron sulfide (FeS 2) serves as tempting anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their higher theoretical specific capacity and truncated cost. However, the huge volume expansion during electrochemical cycling lowers the electro-conductivity and restricts their practical usage. In this study, a FeS 2 /carbon hybrid composite has been prepared through hydrothermal reaction and tested as a negative electrode for SIBs. The morphological analysis presents void betwixt p-FeS 2 particles, ensuring structural reliability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques are executed to examine the chemical environment and oxidation states for discharged/charged FeS 2 /C. When tested as an anode, the initial sodiation/desodiation capacity was recorded as 679/562 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.05 C (where 1 C = 447 mA g−1). The rate performance of FeS 2 /C was evaluated in a range of 0.05–10.0 C where the material delivers a capacity of 319 mAh g−1 at 10.0 C. The FeS 2 /C composite exhibited an excellent Na storage capacity of 402 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.05 C with capacity retention and coulombic efficiency of 72% and 99.5%, respectively. The improved adsorption of Na-ions, good rate capacity and cycling stability is promoted from the synergistic interaction among FeS 2 particles sited on the conductive sheets of mesoporous carbon matrix. Moreover, mesoporous carbon matrix is deemed responsible for better charge transfer and suppressing volume expansion during insertion/extraction cycles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]