Electro analytical studies on indium incorporated SnSb alloy anode for Li-ion batteries

Preparation of indium doped tin antimony (SnSb) alloy is achieved with simple co-precipitation technique. Structural analysis from XRD and Raman spectra shows the phase purity, crystallinity of the synthesized alloys. From XRD data calculated crystallite sizes are 35 nm for SnSb:In and 21 nm for pristine. SEM-Morphological images show spherical nature of the synthesized particles. Electrical conductivity analyses carried out via AC impedance spectra for both the samples at the frequency range of 100 kHz to 100 mHz reveal the improved bulk conductivity of doped SnSb. Better electrochemical lithiation and de-lithiation behavior of SnSb:In than SnSb is observed from cyclic voltammogram in organic and aqueous electrolytes. From cyclic voltammetry analysis the reversible nature and the ability to provide stable capacitance over higher number of cycles are observed which is desirable for a potential anode material to be used in Li-ion batteries.