Sb2O4 @PPy core-shell nanospheres as anode materials for lithium-ion storage

Globular Sb2O4 @PPy core-shell nanospheres are synthesized via a facile method combining controllable synthesis of nanospheres and conductive nanocomposite engineering. Sb2O4 nanospheres an ultrastable structure generates the relatively large void space and shorten the distance of diffusion, and the thin conductive PPy shell can alleviate the giant volume change. The obtained Sb2O4 @PPy core-shell nanospheres in anode material for lithium-ion batteries exhibit an enhanced electrochemical performance with 932.2 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles and high rate property (552.8 mA h g-1 at 2000 mA g-1). Notably, a specific reversible capacity about 542.8 mA h g-1 still can be delivered even after 250 long cycles at the high current density of 1000 mA g-1.