High-rate capability and enhanced cyclability of antimony-based composites for lithium rechargeable batteries

Antimony (Sb)/carbon nanocomposite and Sb/carbon/graphite composite were prepared by high-energy mechanical milling and were investigated as an anode material for Li rechargeable batteries. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed that the Sb/carbon nanocomposite is composed of nanosized Sb and amorphous carbon, and the electrochemical tests showed that it exhibited good electrochemical reversibility and enhanced cyclability. Moreover, the cyclic performance and high-rate capability can be further enhanced by controlling the voltage range or discharge capacity. Also, Sb/carbon/ graphite composite showed a high capacity with very good cyclic performance. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.