Phenolic resin-derived carbon-confined strategy: Sb2Se3@C@CNTs-600 with ultra-high pseudocapacitive contribution as a superior lithium-ion battery anode

With the advantage of high capacity, Sb2Se3 is one of the potential anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, due to the effects of the poor electronic conductivity and the huge volume changes associated with Sb2Se3, the application of Sb2Se3 in lithium-ion batteries is severely limited. Herein, we designed a composite that Sb2Se3 nanoparticles were encapsulated by phenolic resin-derived carbon at a high temperature. The material (Sb2Se3@C@CNTs-600) has excellent lithium storage properties due to the synergy between the Sb2Se3 and carbon matrix. The intricate conductive structure guaranteed Sb2Se3@C@CNTs-600 excellent electrochemical properties with a reversible capacity of 580 mAh g−1 after 900 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1. Additionally, the Sb2Se3@C@CNTs-600 electrode exhibits a fantastic rate capability delivering a reversible capacity of 440.5 mAh g−1 on average at 5 A g−1. Furthermore, benefit from the rational structural design, it delivers an ultra-high pseudocapacitive contribution of 93.93% at 1 mV s−1. The results proved that the phenolic resin-derived carbon can effectively mitigate the volume expansion of Sb2Se3 during the lithiation and delithiation processes, ensuing the cycling stability of the Sb2Se3@C@CNTs-600 and enhancing the lithium storage property and rate performance of the Sb2Se3@C@CNTs-600.