MnSe embedded in carbon nanofibers as advanced anode material for sodium ion batteries.

MnSe with high theoretical capacity and reversibility is considered as a promising material for the anode of sodium ion batteries. In this study, MnSe nanoparticles embedded in 1D carbon nanofibers (MnSe-NC) are successfully prepared via facile electrospinning and subsequent selenization. A carbon framework can effectively protect MnSe dispersed in it from agglomeration and can accommodate volume variation in the conversion reaction between MnSe and Na to guarantee cycling stability. The 1D fiber structure can increase the area of contact between electrode and electrolyte to shorten the diffusion path of Na and facilitate its transfer. According to the kinetic analysis, the storage process of sodium by MnSe-NC is a surface pseudocapacitive-controlled process with promising rate capability. Impressively, An MnSe-NC anode in sodium ion full cells is investigated by pairing with an NaV(PO)@rGO cathode, which exhibits a reversible capacity of 195 mA h g at 0.1 A g.