Ultrathin 2D Graphitic Carbon Nitride on Metal Films: Underpotential Sodium Deposition in Adlayers for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Efficient and low‐cost anode materials for the sodium‐ion battery are highly desired to enable more economic energy storage. Effects on an ultrathin carbon nitride film deposited on a copper metal electrode are presented. The combination of effects show an unusually high capacity to store sodium metal. The g‐C3N4 film is as thin as 10 nm and can be fabricated by an efficient, facile, and general chemical‐vapor deposition method. A high reversible capacity of formally up to 51 Ah g−1 indicates that the Na is not only stored in the carbon nitride as such, but that carbon nitride activates also the metal for reversible Na‐deposition, while forming at the same time an solid electrolyte interface layer avoiding direct contact of the metallic phase with the liquid electrolyte. Carbon nitride film deposited on a copper electrode can be used to store sodium ions. The 10 nm g‐C3N4 film exhibited a high reversible capacity (up to 51 Ah g−1), indicating that the Na is not only stored in the carbon nitride as such, but that carbon nitride also activates the metal for reversible Na‐deposition, while forming a solid electrolyte interface layer, avoiding direct contact of the metallic phase with the liquid electrolyte.