Electrochemical Characteristics of TiSb2 and Sb/TiC/C Nanocomposites as Anodes for Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries

Intermetallic TiSb2 and Sb/TiC/C nanocomposites were prepared by alloying and dealloying reactions, respectively, and their potential as anode materials for rechargeable Li-ion batteries was investigated. The Sb/TiC/C nanocomposite was composed of nanocrystalline Sb and TiC, which were distributed uniformly in an amorphous carbon matrix. The reaction mechanism of intermetallic TiSb2 with Li was examined by ex situ X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Sb/TiC/C nanocomposite exhibited good electrochemical performance, such as a high initial coulombic efficiency of 87% and a long cycle retention of 83% after 100 cycles. (C) 2009 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3254161] All rights reserved.