Electrochemical Li-uptake properties of nanosized NiSb2 prepared by solvothermal route

The nanosized intermetallic compound NiSb2 was prepared by a solvothermal route and studied as a potential anode material for secondary lithium-ion batteries. The microstructure of the as-prepared NiSb2 powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performances of the NiSb2 electrode were investigated by galvanostatic charge and discharge cycling and by cyclic voltammogram. It was found that the nanosized NiSb2 electrode shows improved cycling behavior, especially in the initial cycles, compared to the micrometer sized NiSb2 prepared by a levitation-melting/ball-milling route.