Mechanical milling of Sn-Mo powder mixtures and electrochemical performance in lithium ion batteries

Sn-Mo powder mixtures have been processed through mechanical milling method. The microstructure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of the powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The material delivered a discharge capacity of more than 484 mAh g(-1), and a reversible volumetric capacity of 2499 mAh/cm(3), which is three times larger than that of graphite electrode. Meanwhile, the powder mixture sintered at 850 degrees C for 3 h exhibited better cycle life. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.