Constructing a hierarchical Sb@C nanoarchitectures as free-standing anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The free-standing Sb@C anode composites has been fabricated via a controllable “layer-by-layer” (L-B-L) assembly method. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the as-prepared electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance with a high capacity of 600 and 525 mAh g−1 at 200 and 500 mA g−1 after 300 and 400 cycles, respectively. Such excellent lithium storage properties are primarily benefited from the ultrafine Sb nanoparticles uniformly embedded in the 3D interleaved porous carbon network, which not only provides a fast conductive network but inhibits the volume expansion and agglomeration of Sb during the discharge/charge process. The alloy-model reaction mechanism and outstanding reversibility of the Sb@C anode were systematically investigated.