Three-dimensional nanoarchitecture of Sn–Sb–Co alloy as an anode of lithium-ion batteries with excellent lithium storage performance

A novel nanoarchitectured Sn–Sb–Co alloy electrode is reported, which was prepared by direct electrodeposition on a Cu nanoribbon array in order to target the rapidly fading capacity and the poor rate-capability issues of Sn based materials for Li-ion batteries. The SEM images indicate a three-dimensional (3D) nanoarchitectured Sn–Sb–Co alloy with an array structure. Electrochemical measurements show that the 3D nanoarchitectured Sn₅₄Sb₄₁Co₅ alloy electrode exhibits a reversible capacity as high as 512.8 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 C (1 C = 650 mA g⁻¹) after 150 cycles. Furthermore, the 3D nanoarchitectured Sn₅₄Sb₄₁Co₅ anode can deliver a high reversible capacity (275 mA h g⁻¹) up to the 80^th cycle at a high discharge–charge rate of 23 C (∼15 A g⁻¹). These outstanding electrochemical properties are attributed to the unique nanoarchitectures of the Sn₅₄Sb₄₁Co₅ electrodes, making them an excellent anode material.