Phosphorus-doped graphene-improved Na3V2(PO4)3@C nanocomposite possessing high-rate performance for electrochemical energy storage

NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 is a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries owing to its low cost and great thermal stability as well as high energy density, which has attracted ever growing attention. Nevertheless, the pure Na3V2(PO4)3 possesses a bad electrical conductivity, which hinders its Na+-storage performance for energy storage. Designing and fabrication of the phosphorus-doped graphene-decorated Na3V2(PO4)3@C nanocomposite is performed in this research by a simple and rapid method. The constructed network by phosphorus-doped graphene sheet and carbon layer can greatly strengthen the electron and ionic conductivities of Na3V2(PO4)3, leading to outstanding rate capacity together with cyclic property. The as-fabricated electrode shows a specific capacity of 110.6 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and a high capacity retention of 91.2% over 500 cycles at 20 C. Therefore, this designed nanocomposite is thought as a prospective cathode for batteries that utilize sodium ion as the charge carrier.