Yolk–Shell NiS2 Nanoparticle‐Embedded Carbon Fibers for Flexible Fiber‐Shaped Sodium Battery

Abstract

Fiber‐shaped rechargeable batteries hold promise as the next‐generation energy storage devices for wearable electronics. However, their application is severely hindered by the difficulty in fabrication of robust fiber‐like electrodes with promising electrochemical performance. Herein, yolk–shell NiS 2 nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon fibers (NiS 2⊂PCF) are successfully fabricated and developed as high‐performance fiber electrodes for sodium storage. Benefiting from the robust embedded structure, 3D porous and conductive carbon network, and yolk–shell NiS 2 nanoparticles, the as‐prepared NiS 2⊂PCF fiber electrode achieves a high reversible capacity of about 679 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, outstanding rate capability (245 mA h g−1 at 10 C), and ultrastable cycle performance with 76% capacity retention over 5000 cycles at 5 C. Notably, a flexible fiber‐shaped sodium battery is assembled, and high reversible capacity is kept at different bending states. This work offers a new electrode‐design paradigm toward novel carbon fiber electrodes embedded with transition metal oxides/sulfides/phosphides for application in flexible energy storage devices.