Emerging 2D-Layered MnPS3/rGO composite as a superior anode for sodium-ion batteries.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials were widely investigated due to their unique sodium storage properties and rapid ion transport rates. Herein, we synthesized a 2D layered transition metal phosphorus sulfide MnPS 3 by one step high-temperature solid-phase synthesis. After combining with graphene by high-energy ball milling followed by high-temperature argon calcination, the novel 2D/2D heterojunction of extra-thin MnPS 3 /rGO was successfully prepared. The resultant MnPS 3 /rGO hybrid can strengthen the conductivity of the material and ameliorate the volume change during the insertion/extraction process of the sodium-ion storage, compared to the pristine MnPS 3. As a result, the 2D/2D heterojunction of ultra-thin MnPS 3 /rGO composite exhibits high cycling performance (290 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 A g−1), capacity retention rates up to 92%. The superior performance is ascribed to the combination of extra-thin MnPS 3 nanosheets with graphene, which effectively enhances the interface contact area and the electronic transmission rate, greatly improving the adaptability of volume change and interfacial charge transfer abilities. This work provides a novel and promising MnPS 3 /rGO anode for sodium-ion batteries. Image 1 • Two-dimensional (2D) layered structure possesses rapid ion transport rates. • A novel 2D/2D heterojunction of MnPS 3 /rGO composites was synthesized by high-energy ball milling. • The introduction of various carbon species into 2D materials can effectively ameliorate the structure stability of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]