Carbon-coated MoS(1.5)Te(0.5) nanocables for efficient sodium-ion storage in non-aqueous dual-ion batteries

Sodium-based dual-ion batteries have received increased attention owing to their appealing cell voltage (i.e., >3 V) and cost-effective features. However, the development of high-performance anode materials is one of the key elements for exploiting this electrochemical energy storage system at practical levels. Here, we report a source-template synthetic strategy for fabricating a variety of nanowire-in-nanotube MS(x)Te(y)@C (M = Mo, W, Re) structures with an in situ-grown carbon film coating, termed as nanocables. Among the various materials prepared, the MoS(1.5)Te(0.5)@C nanocables are investigated as negative electrode active material in combination with expanded graphite at the positive electrode and NaPF(6)-based non-aqueous electrolyte solutions for dual-ion storage in coin cell configuration. As a result, the dual-ion lab-scale cells demonstrate a prolonged cycling lifespan with 97% capacity retention over 1500 cycles and a reversible capacity of about 101 mAh g(−1) at specific capacities (based on the mass of the anode) of 1.0 A g(−1) and 5.0 A g(−1), respectively.