Cooperative enhancement of capacities in nanostructured SnSb/carbon nanotube network nanocomposite as anode for lithium ion batteries

SnSb-carbon nanotube nanocomposites are prepared by mixing melt-spun nanocrystalline SnSb with carbon nanotubes. The composite with 10 wt% acid functionalized CNTs shows a good initial Coulombic efficiency of 79% and a reversible capacity of 860 mAhg−1 during the 40th cycle at a current density of 160 mAg−1. Apart from that, the composite also shows promising capacities at high C rates. The enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effect between the nanocrystalline SnSb alloy and the CNT scaffold, which buffers the pulverization process and facilitates fast lithium ions diffusion.

► Nanostructured SnSb-CNT network composite as high performance anode material. ► Rapid and highly scalable process for production of nanostructured materials. ► Very small grain size of melt-spun SnSb alloy allows for fast lithium ion diffusion. ► Cooperative effect between SnSb and CNTs leads to enhanced capacities. ► High reversible capacity of 860 mAhg−1 during the 40th cycle at a current density of 160 mAg−1.