Leveraging FeCo Dual-Metal Synergy in SnSe Graphitic Nanosheets for Enhanced Li Storage

To overcome the issues of significant volume change and limited cycling stability in tin-based anodes toward lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), this study presents a rapid and efficient synthesis of FeCo/SnSe composites anchored on graphite nanosheets, designated as FexCo3–x/SnSe-G, through a facile calcination-ball-milling strategy. The composite with an Fe:Co:SnSe molar ratio of 2:1:1 (FexCo3–x/SnSe-G, x = 2) exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance as LIBs anodes. It achieved discharge capacities of 1157.1, 1064.5, 986.7, 884.7, 745.5, 584.4, 450.5, 375.0, and 320.6 mAh g–1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 A g–1, respectively, demonstrating superior rate capability. Notably, the material sustained a reversible capacity of 895.6 mAh g–1 post 200 cycles at 1.0 A g–1, with a high retention rate of 89.2%. The combinations of Fe, Co, and graphite nanosheets effectively mitigated the volume change of SnSe during cycling, enhanced conductivity, and structural stability. This work provides a scalable and economically viable method for developing high-performance LIBs for anode materials.