SnSb–ZnO composite materials as high performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

SnSb–(ZnO)_x (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) composite anode materials were prepared by a chemical coprecipitation method. Their microstructures and morphologies were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the electrochemical performance was investigated by constant current charging–discharging, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The specific initial charge and discharge capacities of the synthesized SnSb–(ZnO)_0.4 composite anode material were 801.6 mA h g⁻¹ and 1064.6 mA h g⁻¹, respectively, while the initial coulombic efficiency was 75.3%. The capacity remained at 751 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and the capacity retention ratio was 92.5%, which demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance. The addition of ZnO significantly improved the electrochemical properties of the SnSb alloy, especially for the cycling stability and rate capability of the composite materials.