Electrochemical properties of CoSb3(–MCMB) anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Cobalt antimonide, CoSb3, has been prepared by vacuum melting and ball-milling. The electrochemical cycling behaviors of CoSb3 were evaluated using lithium anode model cell Li∣LiPF6 (EC + DMC)∣CoSb3. The reversible capacities of CoSb3 intermetallic electrode reached 570 and 290 mAh g− 1, respectively for the first cycle and the twentieth cycle. It was demonstrated that cycle stability of CoSb3 could be largely improved by milling after mixing with mesocarbon microbeads. There were 50.9% and 77.5% retention of the initial capacity at the twentieth cycle, respectively for CoSb3 and CoSb3–MCMB hybrid.