Synthesis and electrochemical performance of dendrite-like nanosized SnSb alloy prepared by co-precipitation in alcohol solution at low temperature

Abstract

A new reductive co-precipitation route to synthesize a pure phase nanosized b-SnSb alloy in alcohol solution at low temperature is reported. The morphology and particle size of the b-SnSb alloy are in¯uenced by temperature, stirring and the solvent. The nanosized b-SnSb alloy prepared by this method shows good electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The b-SnSb alloy transforms gradually into multiphase Li 3 Sb and Li x Sn with increased insertion of lithium ions. After extraction of the lithium ions, the original crystal structure of b-SnSb is restored, even after many cycles.

Preparation and Li-storage properties of SnSb/graphene hybrid nanostructure by a facile one-step solvothermal route

“…The irreversible capacity is related mainly to the decomposition of the electrolyte and the formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer [10]. Another source of the irreversible capacity is from the reaction of surface oxide Sb 2 O 3 with Li by forming Li 2 O [10]. After the first cycle, both the charge and discharge curves almost overlap, suggesting a high electrochemical reversibility.…”

“…Two pairs of currents peaks can be observed, corresponding to the two successive potential plateaus at around 0.6 and 1.1 V, respectively. The first pair (A, A') of peaks corresponds to the Li-absorption/extraction of Sn [10,13], whereas the second pair (B, B') of peaks is related to the Li-absorption/extraction of Sb. Again, a high electrochemical reversibility of the composite can also be reflected by the nearly overlapped plots after the first cycle.…”

“…The first discharge (Li absorption) and charge (Li extraction) capacities of the composite were 1111 and 721 mA h g −1 , respectively, at 50 mA g −1 (Figure 5a). The irreversible capacity is related mainly to the decomposition of the electrolyte and the formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer [10]. Another source of the irreversible capacity is from the reaction of surface oxide Sb 2 O 3 with Li by forming Li 2 O [10].…”

“…The small peaks at 200-600 cm −1 are related to the Raman active modes of Sb 2 O 3 [35]. Sb 2 O 3 was also observed on the surface of nanosized SnSb in a previous report [10]. XPS measurements were performed to check the degree of reduction of graphene oxide.…”

“…One method is to use nanosized Sn-Sb alloys to reduce the absolute volume changes [10,11]. Nevertheless, nanoparticles are prone to aggregate upon repeated cycling.…”