Extremely Small Pyrrhotite Fe₇S₈ Nanocrystals with Simultaneous Carbon-Encapsulation for High-Performance Na–Ion Batteries

Na/FeS_x batteries have remarkable potential applicability due to their high theoretical capacity and cost-effectiveness. However, realization of high power-capability and long-term cyclability remains a major challenge. Herein, ultrafine Fe₇S₈@C nanocrystals (NCs) as a promising anode material for a Na–ion battery that addresses the above two issues simultaneously is reported. An Fe₇S₈ core with quantum size (≈10 nm) overcomes the kinetic and thermodynamic constraints of the Na-S conversion reaction. In addition, the high degree of interconnection through carbon shells improves the electronic transport along the structure. As a result, the Fe₇S₈@C NCs electrode achieves excellent power capability of 550 mA h g⁻¹ (≈79% retention of its theoretical capacity) at a current rate of 2700 mA g⁻¹. Furthermore, a conformal carbon shell acts as a buffer layer to prevent severe volume change, which provides outstanding cyclability of ≈447 mA h g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles (≈71% retention of the initial charge capacity).