A core–shell structured antimony and hard carbon nanocomposite anode demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries, according to experimental findings published in the Journal of Materials Science. When tested as an anode material, the Sb@HC/HC composite prepared with a 6:4 mass ratio delivered a charge capacity of 482.4 mAh g−1 and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 79.7% at a current density of 100 mA g−1.
The research evaluated antimony and hard carbon because both are promising anode candidates for sodium-ion battery applications. Antimony provides high capacity, whereas hard carbon offers an appropriate operating potential. However, individual use of these materials has been hindered because antimony suffers from poor cycling stability, while hard carbon delivers relatively low capacity.
To address these respective limitations, the researchers employed core–shell structural design alongside nanocomposite strategies to investigate microstructural evolution and underlying synergistic mechanisms. After 100 cycles, the 6:4 Sb@HC/HC composite anode maintained a charge capacity of 460.1 mAh g−1, corresponding to a capacity retention of 95.4%.
The study attributed the sodium storage performance primarily to synergistic effects achieved by constructing the core–shell architecture and employing nanocomposite strategies. Demonstrating the feasibility of these approaches, the authors concluded that the findings offer insights into designing and fabricating Sb/HC composite materials to enhance their practical application potential in sodium-ion batteries.
Subject of Research: Core-shell composite anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Article Title: Core–shell structured Sb@HC nanoparticles enhance the electrochemical performance of the Sb and HC anode materials
Article References: Gao, M., Xu, C., Liu, P., Li, R., Song, H., Fu, Q., Liu, D., Wang, F., Li, Q., Tan, W., & Deng, J. (2026). Core–shell structured Sb@HC nanoparticles enhance the electrochemical performance of the Sb and HC anode materials. Journal of Materials Science, 61(40), 31115-31126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-026-13646-3
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-026-13646-3
Keywords: sodium-ion batteries, anode materials, antimony, hard carbon, core-shell nanoparticles, cycling stability, Coulombic efficiency, nanocomposites, Core, shell, structured, nanoparticles
News Source: Faith Mcneil. (November 10, 2026). Core-Shell Nanoparticles Improve Sodium-Ion Battery Anode Capacity and Stability. Scienmag.
