Influence of Microstructure on the Electrochemical Performance of Sn-Sb-Cu Nanostructures as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery

Three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured Sn-Sb-Cu thin films were synthesized on Cu foils from acidic solutions for the first time via a simple electrodeposition method and investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The electrodeposition potential was determined using cyclic voltammetry. The crystal structure and morphology of the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Morphological investigations that the films consist of interconnected nanoparticles forming a dendritic-like structure. Electrochemical properties were investigated via cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. Compared with the conventional monodisperse nanoparticles, the 3D nanostructured thin films exhibit much larger reversible capacity and improved cycling stability (652 mA h g(-1) at current density of 0.2 C up to 50 cycles). The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the nano/micro hierarchical structure which can reduce the diffusion lengths for both lithium ions and electrons, provide facile electrolyte transport and accommodate the volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.