Antimony based negative electrodes for next generation Li-ion batteries

Crystalline TiSb2 and NbSb2 prepared by the ceramic route were examined as negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. The crystal structures of both materials are different, as well as their electrochemical responses. TiSb2 has a specific charge of 450 mA h g(-1) at an average potential of 0.7 V vs. Li+/Li and is able to maintain this specific charge during 70 cycles while NbSb2 has a specific charge of 400 mA h g(-1) for the first few cycles which then fades continuously. The reaction mechanism was revisited in this paper by applying high resolution in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction characterization combined with electrochemical tests.