The improved electrochemical performance of SnSb-based alloy anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Nano-sized SnSb alloy anodes were prepared by reductive co-precipitation method combining with the aging treatment in water bath at 80 °C. The microstructure, morphology and electrochemical properties of synthesized SnSb alloy powders were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and galvanostatical cycling tests. The results indicated that the cycling performance of SnSb alloy anodes could be improved through reducing particle size. However, the capacity decline was still apparent in every cycle due to the poor reversible process of high voltage reaction. When the cut-off potential was limited between 0.02 and 0.9 V, the volume and structure changes are alleviated effectively and the excellent cycling performance was obtained within 20 cycles.