Synthesis and electrochemical performance of Sn-SnSb/graphite composite materials

Sn-SnSb alloy was synthesized by reducing an aqueous solution containing Sn(II) and Sb(III) salts with NaBH4 in the presence of sodium citrate as a complexant. The results of XRD and SEM show that Sn-SnSb alloy has a multiphase structure with particle size of about 200 nm. Sn-SnSb/Graphite composite materials were prepared by mechanical milling and the weight ratio of alloy and graphite was 4:1. The electrochemical performance of Sn-SnSb/Graphite composite electrode was investigated. The results show that Sn-SnSb/Graphite composite materials has a better cycle performance with a stable capacity of 461 mAh center dot g(-1) after 15 cycles and the reversible capacity exceeds 600 mAh center dot g(-1), but the charge specific capacity of pure Sn-SnSb alloy is 337 mAh center dot g(-1) after 15 cycles.