The synthesis of composite Sn–SnSb films for lithium-ion batteries by electrochemical deposition

Composite Sn–SnSb nano-crystalline films were fabricated on Cu substrate by an electrochemical deposition process. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and galvanostatic cell cycling were used to characterize the structures and electrochemical properties of the films. The as-deposited films consist of only Sn/SnSb composite nanocrystals with a rather dense morphology. The Sn–SnSb composite electrode gives rise to a very small (6%) initial capacity loss and a rather high specific capacity of about 650 mAh/g, which is significantly higher than the values reported in the literature. The coulombic efficiency during charge–discharge cycles is close to 100%.