Influence of reduced graphene oxide on the morphology and electrochemical performance of SnSbAg0.1 composite materials

SnSbAg0.1-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite anode materials are synthesised via chemical reduction. The structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the synthesised materials are characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrometry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The large surface area, excellent conductivity and mechanical properties of the graphene reduce the agglomeration of alloy particles, buffer the stress of volume change and lower the powdering rate of particles, to enhance the inner transportation of Li+ between the electrodes and the electrolyte. The SnSbAg0.1-10%RGO composite anode materials exhibit a better electrochemical performance and cycle life than other alloy anode composite materials, demonstrating a capacity of 605.1 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and an average capacity attenuation rate of 0.16% from the 2nd cycle to the 100th cycle. The discharge capacity remain 538 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, retaining 74.3% of its capacity compared to the 2nd cycle and therefore exhibiting an excellent electrochemical performance