Flexible Membrane Consisting of MoP Ultrafine Nanoparticles Highly Distributed Inside N and P Codoped Carbon Nanofibers as High-Performance Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries.

ABSTRACT

Rechargeable potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted tremendous attention as potential electrical energy storage systems due to the special merit of abundant resources and low cost of potassium. However, one critical barrier to achieve practical application of PIBs has been the lack of suitable electrode materials. Here, a novel flexible membrane consisting of N, P codoped carbon nanofibers decorated with MoP ultrafine nanoparticles (MoP@NPCNFs) is fabricated via a simple electrospinning method combined with the later carbonization and phosphorization process. The 3D porous CNF structure in the as-synthesized composite can shorten the transport pathways of K-ions and improve the conductivity of electrons. The ultrafine MoP nanoparticles can guarantee high specific capacity and the N, P co-doping could improve wettability of electrodes to electrolytes. As expected, the free-standing MoP@NPCNF electrode demonstrates a high capacity of 320 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 , a superior rate capability maintaining 220 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 , as well as a capacity retention of more than 90% even after 200 cycles. The excellent rate performance, high reversible capacity, long-term cycling stability, and facile synthesis routine make this hybrid membrane promising anode for potassium-ion batteries.