Influence of the preparation conditions on the morphology and electrochemical performance of nano-sized Cu–Sn alloy anodes

Nano-sized Cu–Sn alloy powders were prepared by reductive precipitation method combining with the aging treatment in constant temperature water bath at 80 °C. The microstructure, morphology and electrochemical property of synthesized Cu–Sn alloy powders were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and galvanostatical cycling tests. The results indicated that the aged sample had uniform phase components, integrated particles, loose network-like structures and excellent electrochemical performance. When used as negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, the aged Cu6Sn4 and Cu6Sn5 samples delivered reversible capacities of about 340 and 370 mAh g−1 up to 20 cycles, respectively.