Ag–Sb composite prepared by chemical reduction method as new anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Ag–Sb composite anode was prepared by chemical reductive method. The structure, morphology, chemical composition and electrochemical properties of synthesized Ag–Sb composite anode were evaluated by XRD, FE-SEM, EDS and galvanostatical charge–discharge tests. The results indicated that the changes of structure and volume were alleviated effectively by using metal phase instead of intermetallic phase and restraining the lithiation reaction of Ag at high current density (0.2 mA cm−2). The electrochemical reactions took place in a stable and highly conductive Ag framework, which ensured the good cyclability of the Ag–Sb composite electrode.