Performance of SnSb:Ce, Co alloy as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Synthesis of pure tin-antimony (SnSb) by co-precipitation method using metal chlorides as starting materials and Ce, Co-incorporated SnSb is reported and examined. The structure of the doped SnSb is compared with the pure SnSb by means of XRD analysis in which no structural variation is observed. Strain analysis is carried out by Williamson-Hall (WH) plot method. Compared to the intact SnSb, diminutive decrement in unit cell volume is observed for the doped SnSb, which indicates the rigidity of the structure after doping. The electrochemical properties are analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and reversibility testing. Improved redox activity and reversibility are observed for SnSb:Ce, Co anode due to the well-resolved grain and grain boundary regions. Doped anode exhibits specific capacitance around 319 Fg(-1) for 50 cycles. The augmented capacity and electrical conductivity of the SnSb:Ce, Co anode will enhance the rate capability of it, and this makes SnSb:Ce, Co a promising anode material for solid-state lithium-ion batteries in energy systems.