Enhanced stability of SnSb/graphene anode through alternative binder and electrolyte additive for lithium ion batteries application

A graphene-based composite containing Sn and Sb is synthesized and characterized. Structural and morphological characterizations demonstrate the achievement of multilayer graphene with anchored SnSb nanoparticles. The composite is tested as active material for lithium-ion battery anodes and, as a result of the use of poly acrylic acid binder and vinylene carbonate electrolyte additive, remarkable electrochemical performance are achieved in terms of stable cycling stability and specific gravimetric capacity (468 mAh g(-1) after 75 cycles with a capacity retention of about 80%). Moreover, impedance spectroscopy analysis further demonstrates the enhanced stability obtained by using, together with vinylene carbonate electrolyte additive, poly acrylic acid binder instead of poly vinylidene difluoride. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.