Metallic Sb nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanosheets as anode material for lithium ion batteries with superior rate capability and long cycling stability

Abstract

Metallic antimony with high capacity, abundant and a very appropriate reaction potential is considered as a promising anode material for LIBs. But poor cycle performance due to the huge volume expansion during cycling process seriously hinders its practical application. Here, Sb nanoparticles encapsulated into carbon nanosheets were prepared by a facile and scalable method. And the carbon nanosheets can effectively buffer the volume expansion and inhibit the aggregation of Sb nanoparticles during the lithiation/delithiation process. Finally, the as-prepared Sb@C nanosheets display superior rate capability (418 mAh g−1 can be observed even at 5.0 A g−1) and long cycle stability (449 mAh g−1 can be maintained after 1000 cycle at 2.0 A g−1). Furthermore, when coupled with LiFePO4/C cathode, the Sb@C//LiFePO4/C full cell also exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance.