A flexible CNT@nickel silicate composite film for high-performance sodium storage

© 2019 Due to the sufficient ion diffusion channels provided by the large interlayer spacing, layered silicates are widely considered as potential anode materials for lithium ion and sodium ion batteries. However, due to the poor electronic conductivity, the application of layered silicates for electrochemical energy storage has been greatly limited. Carbon nanotube (CNT) film has excellent electrical conductivity and a unique interconnected network, making it an ideal matrix for composite electrochemical material. We herein report a CNT@nickel silicate composite film (CNT@NiSiO) fabricated by a SiO2-mediated hydrothermal conversion process, for sodium storage with excellent electrochemical properties. The obtained composite possesses a cladding structure with homogeneous nanosheets as the outermost and CNT film as the inner network matrix, providing abundant ion diffusion channels, high electronic conductivity, and good mechanical flexibility. Due to these merits, this material possesses an excellent electrochemical performance for sodium storage, including a high specific capacity up to 390 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, good rate performance up to 205 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1, and excellent cycling stability. On this basis, this work would bring a promising material for various energy storage devices and other emerging applications