Facile synthesis and long cycle life of SnSb as negative electrode material for Na-ion batteries

We report significant electrochemical performances promoting SnSb as one of the most promising negative electrode material for rechargeable batteries. Appropriately formulated with the carboxymethyl cellulose binder and cycled in fluoroethylene carbonate containing electrolyte, it could sustain a reversible capacity largely exceeding 525 mAh g(-1) over more than 125 cycles at a rate of C/2 (55 mA/g), with a satisfactory coulombic efficiency of more than 97%. To our knowledge, this is actually the longest cycle life ever reported for an electrode material vs. sodium. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.