ZnSb2O6: an advanced anode material for Li-ion batteries

A combination of zinc (Zn) and antimony (Sb) is considered to be one of the most promising alternatives to commercial carbon materials in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). This study reports a facile and scalable strategy to fabricate ZnSb2O6 nanoparticles, and the as-prepared sample exhibits advanced lithium storage properties in terms of high specific capacity (a reversible capacity of 512.7 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 mA cm(-2) (100 mAg(-1)) after 100 cycles), long cycle life and superior rate performance (a reversible capacity of 394.4 mA h g(-1) at 0.5 mA cm(-2) (500 mA g(-1)) after 300 cycles). The superior electrochemical performance is attributed to insertion processes and conversion and alloying reactions, as well as pseudocapacitive contribution. Full cells were also fabricated, which exhibited superior electrochemical performances.