Construction of WSSe2/C anode with enlarged layer spacing for efficient Na+ storage by anion synergistic strategy

High-capacity transition metal chalcogenides exhibit intrinsically low conductivity and ion transport efficiency when applied to sodium-ion energy storage devices. Here, carbon-encapsulated WS x precursors are synthesized using high chloride hydrolysis properties combined with a hydrothermal process. Afterwards, WSSe 2 /C anode with dual anion effect is prepared by replacing some S atoms in WS x with Se atoms employing a microwave sintering process. The obtained WSSe 2 /C electrode exhibits a significantly enlarged crystal spacing by constructing built-in electric fields, which ensures rapid and stable Na + transport. The carbon-encapsulated strategy aims to improve electrical conductivity while providing a buffer medium for volume expansion during electrochemical phase transitions. Additionally, by exploring the effects of different carbon introductions on the electrochemical properties , it is determined that 1 g ribose encapsulated WSSe 2 (WSSe 2 /C-1) provides the best intervening effect. Consequently, in the assembled Na half-cell, the WSSe 2 /C-1 anode displays a high specific capacity of 715.3 mA h g −1 after 200 cycles of activation at 1 A g −1 . Further, the assembled sodium-ion capacitor exhibits a high-capacity retention of 86.5 % after 13,000 cycles at a high-power density of 3800 W kg −1 . This strategy of combining carbon encapsulation and dual anion effect provides a reference for developing high-power density anodes. • Carbon-encapsulated WS x are prepared as a precursor. • The microwave sintering process is employed for preparing the WSSe 2 /C anode with dual anion effect. • WSSe 2 /C electrode exhibits a significantly enlarged crystal spacing. • The WSSe 2 /C-1 anode displays a high specific capacity of 715.3 mA h g −1 in SIBs. • The assembled SIC exhibits a high-capacity retention of 86.5 % after 13,000 cycles.