Surface Modification of Na3V2(PO4)3 by Nitrogen and Sulfur Dual-Doped Carbon Layer with Advanced Sodium Storage Property.

Nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped carbon layer wrapped Na3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles (NVP@NSC) have been successfully fabricated by the facile solid-state method. In this hierarchical structure, the Na3V2(PO4)3 nanoparticles are well dispersed and closely coated by nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped carbon layer, constructing an effective and interconnected conducting network to reduce the internal resistance. Furthermore, the uniform coating layers alleviate the agglomeration of Na3V2(PO4)3 as well as mitigate the side reaction between electrode and electrolyte. Because of the excellent electron transfer mutually enhancing sodium diffusion for this extraordinary structure, the NVP@NSC composite delivers an impressive discharge capacity of 113.0 mAh g-1 at 1 C and shows a capacity retention of 82.1% after 5000 cycles at an ultrahigh rate of 50 C, suggesting the remarkable rate capability and long cyclicity. Surprisingly, a reversible capacity of 91.1 mAh g-1 is maintained after 1000 cycles at 5 C under the elevated temperature of 55 °C. The approach of nitrogen and sulfur dual-doped carbon-coated Na3V2(PO4)3 provides an effective and promising strategy to enhance the ultrahigh rate and ultralong life property of cathode, which can be used for large-scale commercial production in sodium ion batteries.