Antimony-doped tin oxide nanotubes for high capacity lithium storage

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanotubes were synthesized by a modified template method in this work. The nanotubes, which were ~ 200 nm in diameter and 10–20 nm in wall thickness, were composed of a large number of 5–15 nm ATO nanocrystals. The doping level of Sb in the ATO could be varied by the experimental conditions. ATO nanotubes with Sn:Sb ratios of 9:1 or 5:1, in particular, were good reversible Li storage materials, showing high capacities and good cyclability at both common and high rates of charge and discharge.

Research Highlights► Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanotubes are prepared by a template method. ► ATO nanotubes show good lithium-ion storage properties. ► The electrode stability is improved by the Sb doping and tubular shape.