Synthesis and electrochemical performance of dendrite-like nanosized SnSb alloy prepared by co-precipitation in alcohol solution at low temperature

A new reductive co-precipitation route to synthesize a pure phase nanosized beta-SnSb alloy in alcohol solution at low temperature is reported. The morphology and particle size of the beta-SnSb alloy are influenced by temperature, stirring and the solvent. The nanosized beta-SnSb alloy prepared by this method shows good electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The beta-SnSb alloy transforms gradually into multiphase Li3Sb and LixSn with increased insertion of lithium ions. After extraction of the lithium ions, the original crystal structure of beta-SnSb is restored, even after many cycles.