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Nanosized-bismuth-embedded 1D carbon nanofibers as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries

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Abstract

Bi is a promising candidate for energy storage materials because of its high volumetric capacity, stability in moisture/air, and facile preparation. In this study, the electrochemical performance of nanosized-Bi-embedded one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanofibers (Bi/C nanofibers) as anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and Na-ion batteries (NIBs) was systematically investigated. The Bi/C nanofibers were prepared using a single-nozzle electrospinning method with a specified Bi source followed by carbothermal reduction. Abundant Bi nanoparticles with diameters of approximately 20 nm were homogeneously dispersed and embedded in the 1D carbon nanofibers, as confirmed by structural and morphological characterization. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Bi/C nanofiber anodes could deliver a long cycle life for LIBs and a preferable rate performance for NIBs. The superior electrochemical performances of the Bi/C nanofiber anodes are attributed to the 1D carbon nanofiber structure and uniform distribution of Bi nanoparticles embedded in the carbon matrix. This unique embedded structure provides a favorable electron carrier and buffering matrix for the effective release of mechanical stress caused by volume change and prevents the aggregation of Bi nanoparticles.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Nos. 2015CB755602 and 2013CB922104), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21474034, 51673077, and 51603078), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (HUST: No. 2016YXMS029) and Director Fund of WNLO. We also thank the Analytical and Testing Center of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and the Center of Micro-Fabrication and Characterization (CMFC) of WNLO for use of their facilities.

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  1. Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Hong Yin, Qingwei Li, Minglei Cao, Wei Zhang, Han Zhao, Chong Li, Kaifu Huo & Mingqiang Zhu

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  1. Hong Yin
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  2. Qingwei Li
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  3. Minglei Cao
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  4. Wei Zhang
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Correspondence to Chong Li or Mingqiang Zhu.

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Yin, H., Li, Q., Cao, M. et al. Nanosized-bismuth-embedded 1D carbon nanofibers as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Nano Res. 10, 2156–2167 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-016-1408-z

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