High rate capability and superior cycle stability of a flower-like Sb2S3 anode for high-capacity sodium ion batteries

Flower-like antimony sulfide structures were prepared by a simple and easy polyol reflux process. When tested as an anode for sodium ion batteries, the material delivered a high reversible capacity of 835.3 mA h g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 50 cycles and maintained a capacity of 641.7 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. Even up to 2000 mA g−1, a capacity of 553.1 mA h g−1 was obtained, indicating an excellent cycle performance and a superior rate capability. The mechanism of the formation of the micro-flowers was also investigated. The additive used facilitates the controlled release of the reactant to form uniform, shaped nanosheets and an optimum reaction time allows the nanosheets to self-assemble into micro-flowers.