Sb/Cu2Sb-TiC-C Composite Anode for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteriesor

A novel nanostructure consisting of copper-antimony alloy (Cu2Sb) particles dispersed in a conductive hybrid matrix of titanium carbide (TiC) and carbon (C) has been developed by high energy mechanical milling (HEMM) and explored for use as an anode in sodium-ion batteries. By controlling the molar ratio of Cu and Sb, Cu2Sb and Sb are able to co-exist in a matrix. The (Sb)/Cu2Sb-TiC-C samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Specifically, the Cu2Sb-TiC-C composite anode demonstrates better cyclic performance as well as better rate-capability compared to Sb/Cu2Sb-TiC-C. Additionally, the introduction of the fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive into the electrolyte leads to improved electrochemical performance even at high-rate current densities, when compared to the electrodes without the FEC additive, owing to the formation of a stable and thin SEI layer.