Sb2Se3/Sb embedded in carbon nanofibers as flexible and twistable anode for potassium-ion batteries.

Flexible electrochemical energy storage devices play a vital role in the subject of flexible wearable digital equipment. The key is to devise electrodes with wonderful flexibility, high capacity, and preeminent cycle stability. Therefore, we use tetraethyl orthosilicate as the coupling agent to develop Sb 2 Se 3 /Sb uniformly embedded in carbon nanofibers by electrospinning. Silicon oxide act as a form-stabilizing enhancer, the Sb 2 Se 3 /Sb/C nanofibers membrane exhibits superior mechanical flexibility and splendid electrochemical potassium storage performance. In specific, as the free-standing electrode, Sb 2 Se 3 /Sb/C nanofibers membrane can achieve a high reversible discharge capacity of 372 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and 228 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 and deliver capacity retention of about 100% at 0.1 A g−1 after 300 cycles. All of these phenomena make it hopeful for the application in flexible potassium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • Flexible and foldable Sb 2 Se 3 /Sb/C nanofibers membrane was prepared. • Ethyl orthosilicate improved the flexibility of the nanofibers membrane. • Free-standing Sb 2 Se 3 /Sb/C nanofibers membrane showed excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]