Two-Step Fabrication of Nano NiSbS Anchored on Exfoliated Graphite Nanosheets as an Anode for Sodium-Ion Battery

Binary metal sulfides have attracted significant attention as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to the synergistic interactions among their constituent components. However, their practical application is limited by several challenges, including complex synthesis procedures and slow Na+ diffusion kinetics. In this study, a two-step strategy combining solid-state reaction and high-energy ball milling was used to successfully synthesize a novel binary metal sulfide-based composite anode, NiSbS-G. Its potential as an anode for SIBs was investigated for the first time. The incorporation of graphite and the formation of a nanoscale conductive network via ball milling significantly enhanced the electronic conductivity and Na+ diffusion kinetics of the NiSbS. When used as an anode for SIBs, the NiSbS-G electrode delivered a high reversible capacity of 463.5 mAh g–1 at 0.2 A g–1 and retained 371 mAh g–1 after 200 cycles at 1.0 A g–1, resulting in a capacity retention of 82%, significantly outperforming pure NiSbS. This study offers valuable insights for designing low-cost and high-performance binary metal sulfide anodes for SIBs.