Electrochemically captured Zintl cluster-induced bismuthene for sodium-ion storage.

Bismuthene was prepared via the oxidation of Zintl clusters by electrochemical cathodic corrosion. It was found that the conversion of Zintl clusters from Bi to Bi occurred in the electrolyte having short alkyl chains due to the faster kinetics of highly reactive carbocation. Considering that c-NaBi exists in a wide voltage range, monitored by in situ XRD, a new wide peak for the as-obtained bismuthene in the CV curve was noticed, which benefits the improvement of electrochemical performances.