Pb3O4 type antimony oxides MSb2O4 (M = Co, Ni) as anode for Li-ion batteries

Polycrystalline samples of isostructural MSb2O4 (M = Co, Ni) have been prepared by solid state synthesis and lithium-storage is investigated as possible anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The reaction mechanism of lithium with MSb2O4 (M = Co, Ni) is explored by galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammogram and ex situ studies. Both CoSb2O4 and NiSb2O4 exhibit similar electrochemical behavior and show reversible capacity of 490 and 412 mAh g−1 respectively in the first cycle. Reversible alloying de-alloying of LixSb takes place in an amorphous matrix of M (Co, Ni) and Li2O during electrochemical cycling.

Graphical abstractIsostructural Pb3O4 type MSb2O4 (M = Co, Ni) compounds were investigated as possible anodes for lithium ion batteries. The reversible capacity is due to electrochemically active Sb and the transition metal and Li2O form an inactive matrix which buffers volume variations associated with alloying-de-alloying of antimony.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Isostructural MSb2O4 (M = Co, Ni) were studied as anode for LIBs for first time. ► Li/MSb2O4 (M = Co, Ni) cells displayed reversibility due to electrochemically active Sb. ► CoSb2O4 showed good reversibility compared to NiSb2O4.