Electrochemical characteristics of CoSnx alloy composite anode for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries

Nano/micro-scaled CoSnx alloy powders synthesized via carbothermal reduction at 800 °C with different compositions were characterized for anode materials in Li-ion battery. The synthesized spherical CoSnx particles show a loose nano/micro sized particle structural characteristic, which is apparently favorable for the improvement of cycling stability. The prepared CoSn3 alloy composite electrode exhibits a low initial irreversible capacity of ca. 130 mAh·g −1 and a high specific capacity of ca. 440 mAh·g −1 at constant current density of 100 mA·g−1. The relatively large particle size is considered to be the main reason for the lower irreversible capacity of CoSn3 electrode.