Antimony based negative electrodes for next generation Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Crystalline TiSb₂ and NbSb₂ prepared by the ceramic route were examined as negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. The crystal structures of both materials are different, as well as their electrochemical responses. TiSb₂ has a specific charge of 450 mA h g⁻¹ at an average potential of 0.7 V vs. Li⁺/Li and is able to maintain this specific charge during 70 cycles while NbSb₂ has a specific charge of 400 mA h g⁻¹ for the first few cycles which then fades continuously. The reaction mechanism was revisited in this paper by applying high resolution in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction characterization combined with electrochemical tests.