Breaking Bond‐Strain Lockstep in Multielectron Anodes

S Shuting Sun (School of New Energy Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo 315211 P. R. China) F Fang Chen (Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Materials Science and Engineering) F Feike Pei (School of Civil and Environment Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen 518055 P. R . China) S Shunjie Xu (School of New Energy Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo 315211 P. R. China) J Jiashu Yuan (School of New Energy Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo 315211 P. R. China) W Wenhui Wang (Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry) R Ruhong Li (State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering)

Abstract

Abstract The pervasive bond‐strain negative feedback loop in multi‐electron conversion‐alloy anodes, where strong covalent bonds constrain lattice transformation during sodiation, induces strain accumulation and bond rupture. This results in sluggish kinetics and severe capacity decay, crippling the viability as high‐capacity anode. Here, this negative feedback loop through interstitial atomic wedging is broken. Ni is implanted into Sn 4 P 3 interlayers via mechanochemical synthesis, which serve as atomic‐scale rivet that topologically pin migrating species while simultaneously weakening Sn─P bonds. This dual‐channel regulation is achieved via geometrical pinning coupled with electronic reconfiguration, which jointly establish metallic percolation networks and rapid ion‐diffusion pathways. It is further revealed that dynamic Ni─P covalent buffers suppress Sn/P aggregation during (de)sodiation, enabling structural integrity. Consequently, Ni 0.41 Sn 4 P 3 delivers a high specific capacity of 958.9 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 , with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.6% and enables full cells to achieve an energy density of 293.3 Wh kg −1 . This work demonstrates that interstitial bond‐strain rebalancing coupled with orbital‐hybridized band engineering can resolve the classic trade‐off between reaction stability and kinetics in multi‐electron reactions. The strategy offers a generalizable materials design principle toward high‐energy‐density storage systems.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 6
Published January 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (7)

S

Shuting Sun

School of New Energy Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo 315211 P. R. China

F

Fang Chen

Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

F

Feike Pei

School of Civil and Environment Engineering Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen 518055 P. R . China

S

Shunjie Xu

School of New Energy Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo 315211 P. R. China

J

Jiashu Yuan

School of New Energy Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo 315211 P. R. China

W

Wenhui Wang

Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry

R

Ruhong Li

State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering