Emerging 2D-Layered MnPS3/rGO composite as a superior anode for sodium-ion batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials were widely investigated due to their unique sodium storage properties and rapid ion transport rates. Herein, we synthesized a 2D layered transition metal phosphorus sulfide MnPS3 by one step high-temperature solid-phase synthesis. After combining with graphene by high-energy ball milling followed by high-temperature argon calcination, the novel 2D/2D heterojunction of extra-thin MnPS3/rGO was successfully prepared. The resultant MnPS3/rGO hybrid can strengthen the conductivity of the material and ameliorate the volume change during the insertion/extraction process of the sodium-ion storage, compared to the pristine MnPS3. As a result, the 2D/2D heterojunction of ultra-thin MnPS3/rGO composite exhibits high cycling performance (290 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 A g−1), capacity retention rates up to 92%. The superior performance is ascribed to the combination of extra-thin MnPS3 nanosheets with graphene, which effectively enhances the interface contact area and the electronic transmission rate, greatly improving the adaptability of volume change and interfacial charge transfer abilities. This work provides a novel and promising MnPS3/rGO anode for sodium-ion batteries.