Metallic Sb nanoparticles embedded into a yolk-shell Sb2O3@TiO2composite as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Metallic antimony is considered to be a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to its appropriate reaction potential. However, the rapid loss of capacity during the cycling process restricts its practical application. Hence, it is essential to research for a facile and effective approach for a new high-capacity antimony trioxide as an anode material for LIBs. In this study, we successfully synthesized an Sb2O3/Sb@TiO(2)composite, wherein the TiO(2)film was coated on the surface of Sb(2)O(3)nanorods with the discontinuous distribution of elemental Sb particles in the TiO(2)film. The Sb2O3/Sb@TiO(2)composite exhibits superior rate and cycling performance. As an anode material, a specific discharge capacity of 609 mA h g(-1)can be released at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). The excellent electrochemical performance is based on Sb nanoparticles and one-dimensional Sb(2)O(3)as the core to enhance the capacity, and TiO(2)is used as the outer shell to consolidate the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode material.