SnSb-TiC-C nanocomposite alloy anodes for lithium-ion batteries

SnSb-TiC-C nanocomposite alloy anodes for lithium-ion batteries have been synthesized by a mechanochemical process involving high-energy mechanical milling of Ti-Sn and Ti-Sb precursors with carbon black. Characterization of the formed nanocomposites using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that these alloys are composed of crystalline nanoparticles of SnSb dispersed in a matrix of crystalline TiC and amorphous carbon. The SnSb-TiC-C alloy shows an initial gravimetric capacity of 769 mAh g(-1) (1385 mAh cm(-3)), an initial coulombic efficiency of 84.9%, and a tap density of 1.8 g cm(-3). The buffer matrix of TiC and carbon in the nanocomposite alloy anodes accommodates the large volume change occurring during the charge-discharge process and leads to enhanced cyclability compared to pure SnSb anodes as well as previously published SnSb composites. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.