Synthesis and characterization of Sb/CNT and Bi/CNT composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Sb/CNT and Bi/CNT composites were prepared by a heating treatment method. SEM imaging showed that the metal particles were uniformly deposited on the CNTs exterior and in the CNTs web. It was found that the composites showed improved cyclability than unsupported Sb and Bi and higher reversible capacities than CNTs. The improvement may be attributed to the small-scale dimension and high dispersion of the metal particles and the conductivity and ductility of the CNTs matrix. Moreover, the first reversibility was also increased comparing to CNTs, resulted from the lower surface of the composites. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.