Synthesis and electrochemistry properties of Sn–Sb ultrafine particles as anode of lithium-ion batteries

Ultrafine particles of Sn–Sb alloys with different chemical composition have been prepared by hydrogen plasma-metal reaction. Structure, morphology, size and chemical composition of the Sn–Sb ultrafine particles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET gas adsorption, and induction-coupled plasma spectroscopy. It was found that all the particles have spherical shapes, with average particle size in the range of 100–300 nm. The electrochemistry properties as an alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries have been characterized by constant current cycling and cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical measurements showed that the alloys with Sn–46.5 at.% Sb have best reversible capacity and capacity retention. It exhibited a high reversible lithium-ion storage capacity of 701 mAh g−1 in the initial cycle, which has remained at 81% (i.e., 566 mAh g−1) of its original capacity after 20 cycles.