High Energy Mechanical Milling Process Research Articles

Porous Si/Ca-Si-O nanocomposite lithium storage materials by calciothermic reduction of Si with CaH2

Silicon monoxide (SiO)-based anode materials are one of the most intensively investigated class of materials for use as high-capacity anodes in lithium-ion batteries. However, their low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), resulting from the irreversible electrochemical reaction of the amorphous SiO2 (a-SiO2) phase in the SiO, restricts the wide-spread adoption of SiO-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Pre-emptive formation of an irreversible phase that converts a-SiO2 to a non-reactive state with lithium prior to cell assembly has received much attention for enhancing ICE. However, this process has the drawback of not ensuring long-term cycle performance. Herein, the pre-emptive formation of irreversible phase combined with the high-energy mechanical milling (HEMM) process is proposed to simultaneously improve both the ICE and long-term cycle performance. The resulting porous Si/Ca-Si-O nanocomposite electrode exhibits an impressive ICE of 86.4 % and maintains 55 % of its capacity over 200 cycles. The key factor in the significant ICE improvement is the irreversible Ca-Si-O phase, which is formed by the calciothermic reduction of Si with CaH2. In addition, the microstructural changes induced by the HEMM process effectively mitigate the volume expansion of Si during cycling, resulting in improved long-term cycle stability.

Synthesis of Graphitic Carbon Coated ZnPS3 and its Superior Electrochemical Properties for Lithium and Sodium Ion Storage.

Graphitic carbon-coated ZnPS3 is prepared via direct phosphosulfurization and high energy mechanical milling (HEMM) with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and first introduced as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The HEMM process with MWCNTs reduces the particle size of as-synthesized ZnPS3 bulk to 100-500nm and yields the ≈5nm thick graphitic carbon coated ZnPS3 nanoparticles, which are the nanocomposites of 5nm sized nanocrystallites embedded in the amorphous matrix. The ZnPS3 electrode undergoes the combined conversion and alloying reactions with Li and Na ions and exhibits high initial discharge and charge capacities in both LIBs and SIBs. The graphitic carbon-coated ZnPS3 electrode exhibits excellent high-rate capability and long-term cyclability. The superior electrochemical properties can be attributed to high electrical conductivity, high Li ion mobility, and high reversibility and structural stability derived from the graphitic carbon-coated nanoparticles. This study demonstrates that the novel graphitic carbon-coated ZnPS3 is a promising anode material for both LIBs and SIBs and the graphitic carbon coating methodology by HEMM is expected to apply to the various metal oxides, sulfides, and phosphides.

Hydrolytic hydrogen production behavior in NaCl solution of Mg and Mg-GO composite synthesized by mechanochemical reaction

With the help of the mechanochemical reaction (MCR) strategy, the composition optimization, structure regulation and surface modification of metallic Mg are realized by introducing GO in the high energy mechanical ball milling process to enhance the hydrogen production performance in NaCl solution. The synthetic process of Mg and Mg-GO composite by MCR is systematically optimized and the microstructure evolution as well as the hydrolytic hydrogen production behavior are investigated. Phase composition optimization and microstructure regulation can be effectively implemented during the MCR process. The response rate of the repeated hydrogen-filling MCR sample is faster than that of the single hydrogen-filling MCR sample. The hydrogen production rates at 298 K of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h MCR Mg with repeated H2-filling can reach to 922, 934, 890, 917 and 1131 mL/g/min, respectively. The internal microstructure refinement, surface modification, moderate activity, appropriate particle size, surface defects and reasonable mass transfer channels of MCR 8 h Mg-GO composite are the reasons for the fast rates and high yields of hydrolytic hydrogen production. 365.3, 864.4 and 933.8 mL/g H2 can be produced by 8 h MCR Mg-GO composite within 1, 3 and 10 min, respectively. The hydrogen production rate of 8 h MCR Mg-GO composite is as high as ∼600 mL/g/min. Mechanochemical reaction strategy with catalyst is a useful method to improve the hydrolysis hydrogen production performance of metallic Mg when well matched with the added catalyst.

Investigation of the Microwave Absorption Properties of Fe Based Nanocomposites

The objective of this work was to provide information about the behaviour of Fe-based nanocomposites when exposed to microwaves. It is about rectangular bulk samples of epoxy resin reinforced by nanocrystalline Fe powders and shaped in accordance to the internal section of the R100 metallic waveguide (8.2 to 12.4 GHz) at a fixed thickness of 7 mm. The nanocrystalline Fe powders were obtained by high-energy mechanical milling process using a planetary Retsch PM 400-ball mill. The milling speed was fixed at 200 rpm for three durations and the milling process were performed under Argon atmosphere. The bulk nanocomposites were obtained by dispersion of 30% vol. of the nanocrystalline Fe powders in the resin matrix. Electromagnetic parameters as complex relative dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability, electric and magnetic loss tangent and reflection loss were calculated using reordered S parameters. The scattering parameters were characterized using a measure cell made off two metallic R100 wave-guides associated to an Agilent 8719 network analyser according to the reflection-transmission technique. The obtained spectra inform on the new electromagnetic properties as well as the absorption characteristic acquired by the bulk nanocomposites due to the presence of the nanocrystalline Fe powders.

Effects of mechanical milling time on densification, microstructural characteristics and hardness of Cu–SiC nanocomposites prepared by conventional sintering process

In this study, effects of the milling time on densification, microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of Cu–SiC nanocomposite produced by high energy mechanical milling and conventional sintering process are investigated. Cu–SiC powder was milled for different durations and then cold compacted under 800 MPa pressure followed by conventional sintering at 900 °C under argon atmosphere for 1h. The microstructural characterization was conducted by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The highest densification for the composite powder was obtained at a short milling time, where the powder showed flake morphology and lower strain-hardening. By increasing the milling time, the size of the Cu matrix grains refined and the level of microstrain and microhardness of the nanocomposite improved. The incorporation of the nanoparticles in the Cu matrix increased the microhardness of the copper. This effect was more evident in lower milling durations.

Novel carbon-free niobium silicide/oxide nanocomposites for lithium-ion battery anodes

Carbon-free niobium silicide (NbSi2)-based composites, starting from silicon monoxide and niobium metal elements, are synthesized by a simple top-down approach with a high-energy mechanical milling process facilitating the manufacture of nanosized materials, and are employed as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The final product has three phases comprising Nb, NbSi2, and Nb2O5, whose structures and morphologies are thoroughly examined using advanced characterization techniques. Although the as-prepared Nb/NbSi2@Nb2O5 composites do not contain carbon, the volume expansion is mitigated during the (de)alloying process with Li ions and the composites possess good electrical conductivity. The carbon-free Nb/NbSi2@Nb2O5 composites, specifically the Nb/NbSi2@Nb2O5 (2:8 & 3:7) electrodes, exhibit stable electrochemical performance (430 & 400 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles) as well as remarkable rate performance with discharge capacities of 699 & 491 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 10 A g−1 with 86 & 80% of normalized capacity retentions. This noticeable improvement can be due to the presence of Nb in the NbSi2 phase and the amorphous Nb2O5 matrix in the composites, which provide high electrical conductivity (for Nb) in addition to forming stable structural stability (for Nb and Nb2O5). Therefore, the novel Nb/NbSi2@Nb2O5 composites presented here provide potential for viable application in high-performance anodes for lithium-ion cells.

Enhanced Lithium Ion Storage by Titanium Dioxide Addition to Zinc Telluride-Based Alloy Composites.

A nanostructured ZnTe-TiO₂-C composite is synthesized, via a two-step high-energy mechanical milling process, for use as a new promising anode material in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirm the successful formation of ZnTe alloy and rutile TiO₂ phases in the composites using ZnO, Te, Ti, and C as the starting materials. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping measurements further reveal that ZnTe and TiO₂ nanocrystals are uniformly dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix. The electrochemical performances of ZnTe-TiO₂-C and other control samples were investigated. Compared to ZnTe-TiO₂ and ZnTe-C composites, the ZnTe- TiO₂-C nanocomposite exhibits better performance, thereby delivering a high reversible capacity of 561 mAh g-1 over 100 cycles and high rate capability at a high current density of 5 A g-1 (79% capacity retention of its capacity at 0.1 A g-1). Furthermore, the long-term cyclic performance of ZnTe-TiO₂-C at a current density of 0.5 A g-1 shows excellent reversible capacity of 528 mAh g-1 after 600 cycles. This improvement can be attributed to the presence of a TiO₂-C hybrid matrix, which acts as a buffering matrix that effectively mitigates the large volume changes of active ZnTe during repeated cycling. Overall, the ZnTe-TiO₂-C nanocomposite is a potential candidate for high-performance anode materials in LIBs.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of a Si/SiOx Composite for Reversible Lithium Storage

With the rapid development of electric vehicles and advanced portable electronic devices, the demand for higher-energy-density power sources continues to rise. Among various powers sources, Li ion batteries (LIBs) have been used as the most important power source due to their high energy density, reasonable cost, and long cycle life. Currently, carbonaceous materials are used as commercial anode materials because of their good cycle performance. However, graphite anodes exhibit a limited reversible capacity (LiC6: 372 mAh·g–1), which cannot meet the requirements for high-energy-density LIBs. Therefore, development of high-capacity anode materials is critical. To increase the reversible capacity of an anode, Li-alloy type materials have been intensively studied. Among various materials, Si has attracted a lot of interest because of its high theoretical specific capacity (Li15Si4: 3580 mAh·g–1) and natural abundance. In spite of the high theoretical specific capacity, Si anodes cannot be commercially used due to some drawbacks. The drastic volume variation (~400%) of Si during repeated alloying/dealloying processes causes mechanical pulverization of the electrode. As a result, capacity fading usually occurs. To resolve this issue, various approaches have been applied such as the use of Si nanostructures and active/inactive composites. However, these methods usually required time-consuming and complex procedures, which were not suitable for mass production. In this study, we propose a new Si/SiOx composite by incorporating excess Si as a stable anode material for LIBs. This Si/SiOx composite was prepared through a simple high energy mechanical milling process. Si nanoparticles and silicon monoxide were used as starting materials. To further improve the cyclic performance, a carbon coating on the composite was performed. The prepared materials were investigated by various materials and electrochemical analysis tools. The obtained composite electrode exhibited not only high reversible capacity but also superior cycle performance.

Synergistic effect of antimony-triselenide on addition of conductive hybrid matrix for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Antimony/antimony-triselenide-based composites embedded in highly conductive titanium carbide and carbon matrices are synthesized by initial heat-treatment followed by a high energy mechanical milling process, are evaluated as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. From density functional theory calculations, the binding energy values between titanium and antimony, and titanium and selenium show different interactions, leading to the formation of novel hybrid composites. The introduction of titanium carbide into antimony-triselenide composites leads to much better cycling performance. An Sb/Sb2Se3–TiC–C (TiC: 10 wt %) electrode, for instance, exhibits a superior reversible charge capacity of 576 mAh g−1 (864 mAh cm−3) after 200 cycles, as well as notable rate capabilities corresponding to a high capacity of 415 mAh g−1—even at a current density of 10 A g−1. These characteristics can be owing to both the highly conductive titanium carbide with carbon matrix, and the mitigation of the stress and strain in the composite electrodes. The developed composite anodes therefore present new and promising candidates for advanced lithium-ion cells.

Achieving a high-performance P/C anode through P-O-C bond for sodium ion batteries

Red phosphorus is a potentially attractive anode for sodium ion batteries because of its ultrahigh theoretical capacity. However, its poor cycling performance caused by the large volume expansion during Na ions insertion and extraction process hinders the practical application of red P. Herein, P/C composites have been prepared through a simple and one-step high energy mechanical milling process using low-cost anthracite as carbon sources. The adding of metal oxides (TiO2 and MoO2) during the high energy mechanical milling process introduces the oxygen element. The bonding strength of P/C composites has been enhanced through the formation of P-O-C chemical bond on the interface between P and C, resulting in the improved cycling stability and rate capability. As anodes for sodium ion batteries, P-TiO2-C and P-MoO2-C electrodes exhibit high reversible capacities of 843 and 920 mAh g−1 over 60 cycles at 0.1 A g−1, respectively. At 0.5 A g−1, P-TiO2-C and P-MoO2-C electrodes also display superior reversible capacities of 640 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and 720 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles for sodium ion batteries. This result indicates that the addition of metal oxides significantly improves the electrochemical performance of P/C composite.

Effects of Various Hybrid Carbon Matrices on the ZnSe Composite Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Zinc selenide-based hybrid carbon composites were synthesized by a high-energy mechanical milling process under an Ar atmosphere. The as-synthesized ZnSe-based carbon composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. First, we examined the effect of single-component carbon matrices on the electrochemical performance of ZnSe. The results showed the best performance for graphite (G), followed by carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and amorphous carbon. Based on these results, in order to further enhance the performance of ZnSe, we introduced a binary-carbon matrix consisting of graphite and CNTs at various ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1, respectively. As a result, ZnSe©G/CNT (1:3) exhibited the best performance in terms of cyclic life and rate capability. Specifically, ZnSe©G/CNT (1:3) delivered a specific capacity of 1041 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 after 300 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of over 99% with high rate performance.

Recycling Chips of Stainless Steel Using a Full Factorial Design

The aim of this study was to provide an experimental investigation on the novel method for recycling chips of duplex stainless steel, with the addition of vanadium carbide, in order to produce metal/carbide composites from a high-energy mechanical milling process. Powders of duplex stainless steel with the addition of vanadium carbide were prepared by high-energy mechanical ball milling utilizing a planetary ball mill. For this proposal, experiments following a full factorial design with two replicates were planned, performed, and then analyzed. The four factors investigated in this study were rotation speed, milling time, powder to ball weight ratio and carbide percentage. For each factor, the experiments were conducted into two levels so that the internal behavior among them could be statistically estimated: 250 to 350 rpm for rotation speed, 10 to 50 h for milling time, 10:1 to 22:1 for powder to ball weight ratio, and 0 to 3% carbide percentage. In order to measure and characterize particle size, we utilized the analysis of particle size and a scanning electron microscopy. The results showed with the addition of carbide in the milling process cause an average of reduction in particle size when compared with the material without carbide added. All the four factors investigated in this study presented significant influence on the milling process of duplex stainless steel chips and the reduction of particle size. The statistical analysis showed that the addition of carbide in the process is the most influential factor, followed by the milling time, rotation speed and powder to ball weight ratio. Significant interaction effects among these factors were also identified.

Facile and scalable synthesis of SiOx materials for Li-ion negative electrodes

Amorphous SiO materials are considered to be alternative high-capacity anode materials for Li-ion batteries. However, the conventional preparation method is a high-temperature and energy-consuming vacuum process. In this study, a simple strategy to produce a SiOx material is proposed. Low-cost micron-sized Si and amorphous SiO2 powders are mechanochemically mixed using a high-energy mechanical milling process. As a result, SiOx materials are produced that have the potential to replace the current commercial SiO powders. The X-ray photoelectron spectra exhibit that the chemical bonding state of Si in the synthesized SiOx materials is similar to commercial SiO. The electron microscopic analyses demonstrate that the secondary particle sizes are reduced and Si crystallites with sizes of a few nanometers to a few tens of nanometers are embedded in the silicon oxide matrix. Due to the morphology and microstructure, the initial coulombic efficiency and cycling stability of the SiOx materials are greatly improved compared to the commercial SiO sample. To further enhance the electrochemical properties, carbon incorporations are carried out, which result in an excellent cycle performance being achieved for the Li-ion battery anodes. The ball-milled SiOx material has ample potential as an alternative to conventional SiO materials.

Zn-induced synthesis of porous SiOx materials as negative electrodes for Li secondary batteries

Silicon oxide-based materials for Li-ion battery anodes have attracted extensive attention due to their higher capacity than graphite materials and better cycling performance compared to Si-based materials. However, the cycle performance needs to be further enhanced if they are to be widely used in commercial applications. In this study, we propose a simple strategy to prepare porous SiOx materials. Zn and SiO were combined by a high-energy mechanical milling process. The Zn/SiO composite was then heated to 900 °C and the Zn-based materials were removed by evaporation as Zn is a metal with a relatively low melting point (419.5 °C) and boiling point (907 °C). This process resulted in the production of porous SiOx materials with a large number of mesopores. Characterizations of the materials by X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy confirmed the synthesis of porous SiOx materials. The cycling performance of these materials was found to be improved. Carbon incorporation was performed in an effort to further enhance their performance, and the cycling performance of these porous SiOx/C composite materials was considerably enhanced, thus indicating that the strategy involving both a porous structure and carbon incorporation is very effective for improvement of the cycling stability of Li-alloy-based active materials.

Enhanced performance of carbon-free intermetallic zinc titanium alloy (Zn-ZnxTiy) anode for lithium-ion batteries

A carbon-free intermetallic zinc titanium alloy (carbon-free Zn/Ti) anode, comprising active Zn nanoparticles finely dispersed in ZnxTiy (Zn0.6Ti0.4 and Zn3Ti) intermetallic buffer, is prepared via a thermal-treatment followed by a high-energy mechanical milling process for a lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode. As a counter-intuitive phenomenon, without the need of a carbon matrix, the carbon-free Zn/Ti alloy exhibits superior cyclic performance (∼1064 mAh cm−3 of volumetric capacity after 350 cycles), a good rate capability (85% capacity retention at 3 A g−1 compared to its capacity at 0.1 A g−1), and a high initial coulombic efficiency (88%). Although the use of hybrid TiC-C matrix as a control sample still affords highly stable cyclic performance and good rate capability, it exhibits a relatively lower capacity than a carbon-free alloy electrode. The enhanced performance of carbon-free Zn/Ti anodes for LIBs is owing to the presence of stable and cohesive ZnxTiy intermetallic phases that provide high conductivity and mechanical stability, thereby mitigating the large volume changes of Zn particles during the lithiation/delithiation processes. High-performance Zn-ZnxTiy can be seen as a new promising anode for the next-generation energy storage technology.

Mechanical Behavior of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Reinforced 7075 Aluminum Alloy Composites Prepared by Mechanical Milling and Hot Extrusion

In this paper, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by spray pyrolysis to be used later as material reinforcement in the production of MWCNTs/Al7075 aluminum composites. Both, MWCNTs and MWCNTs/Al7075 composites were microstructurally and mechanically characterized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows MWCNTs formed by multiple layers rolled on themselves forming a tube shape with lengths up to 1300 µm and diameters ranging from 55 to 120 nm. MWCNTs were added to the aluminum matrix in different concentrations up to 3.0 wt%. Their dispersion in the aluminum matrix was carried out by ultrasonic/methanol method followed by high-energy mechanical milling process. The effect of MWCNTs on the morphology and mechanical behavior of composites were evaluated. Results indicate that a homogeneous dispersion of CNTs was obtained as a consequence of the dispersion routes used in the production of composites, observing no damage on their morphology. The mechanical behavior of the composites shows a noticeable improvement for MWCNTs concentrations above 2.0 wt%, with ductility similar to that found in the literature for the Al7075 commercial alloy.

Nanocomposite of Si/C Anode Material Prepared by Hybrid Process of High-Energy Mechanical Milling and Carbonization for Li-Ion Secondary Batteries

Si/C nanocomposite was successfully prepared by a scalable approach through high-energy mechanical milling and carbonization process. The crystalline structure of the milled powders was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphology of the milled powders was investigated by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The effects of milling time on crystalline size, crystal structure and microstructure, and the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite powders were studied. The nanocomposite showed high reversible capacity of ~1658 mAh/g with an initial cycle coulombic efficiency of ~77.5%. The significant improvement in cyclability and the discharge capacity was mainly ascribed to the silicon particle size reduction and carbon layer formation over silicon for good electronic conductivity. As the prepared nanocomposite Si/C electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, it is potentially applied as a high capacity anode material in the lithium-ion secondary batteries.

A New Method to Recycle Stainless–Steel Duplex UNS S31803 Chips

Due to the increased consumption of raw materials, energy, and the waste it generates, recycling has become very important and fundamental for the environment and the industrial sector. The production of duplex stainless–steel powders with the addition of vanadium carbide in the high energy mechanical milling process is a new method for recycling materials for the manufacture of components in the industrial sector. This study aims to reuse the chips from the duplex stainless–steel UNS S31803 by powder metallurgy with the addition of Vanadium carbide (VC). The mechanical milling was performed using a planetary ball mill for 50 h at a milling speed of 350 rpm and a ball-to-powder weight ratio of 20:1, and the addition of 3 wt % of VC. The material submitted to milling with an addition of carbide has a particle size of less than 140 μm. After milling, the sample went through a stress relief treatment performed at 1050 °C for 1 h and the isostatic compaction process loaded with 300 MPa. The sintered powders and material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and micro-hardness tests. The milling process with an addition of 3% VC produced a particle size smaller than the initial chip size. The measurement of micrometric sizes obtained was between 26 and 132 μm. The sintered material had a measurement of porosity evaluated at 15%. The obtained density of the material was 84% compared to the initial density of the material as stainless–steel duplex UNS S31803. The value of the microhardness measurement was 232 HV. The material submitted for grinding presented the formation of a martensitic structure and after the thermal treatment, the presence of ferrite and austenite phases was observed. Thus, in conclusion, this study demonstrates the efficacy in the production of a metal-ceramic composite using a new method to recycle stainless–steel duplex UNS S31803 chips.

Porous Sb-Si-C Composite As a High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Recently, with increasing use of mobile electronic devices and electric vehicles, demand for electrical energy storage devices is greatly rising. Among them, lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most attractive devices because of their reasonable cost and energy density. To meet the consumer demand for energy density, high-capacity electrode materials should be developed. Currently, carbonaceous materials such as graphite are widely used in anodes and however, its capacity is limited due to the use of intercalation chemistry (theoretical capacity of graphite: 372 mAh g–1). To increase the capacity of an anode, Li-alloy type materials have been intensively examined. For example, Si has the theoretical capacity of 3580 mAh g–1 for Li15Si4 phase, which is the final phase of electrochemical lithiation. However, the Li-alloying type materials have a problem of cycle performance. When Li ions are inserted and extracted during cycling, the active materials suffer from huge volume expansion and shrinkage (100~400 %). The volume changes cause the mechanical degradation of the active materials and the material can be separated from the current collectors. As a result, the cycle performance of the electrodes is deteriorated. To solve the problem, lots of researchers have tried to prepare composite materials by adopting diverse methods. For instance, composite materials including inactive phases were prepared to alleviate the volume change. In this study, we prepared Sb-Si-C composites as high-capacity anode materials. Antimony (Sb) is considered one of the candidates as Li-alloy type active material and it has the theoretical capacity of 660 mAh g–1 for the Li3Sb phase. To obtain high-capacity and stable cycling stability, porous Sb-Si-C composites were synthesized by high energy mechanical milling and etching process. First, antimony oxide (Sb2O3), magnesium silicide (Mg2Si), and a carbon source were ball-milled. During the milling process, Sb2O3 was reduced to Sb by Mg and the formed MgO phase was removed by a solution etching process. Finally, the porous Sb-Si-C composite was prepared, which was evaluated as LIB anode materials.

Investigation of electrochemical performance on carbon supported tin-selenium bimetallic anodes in lithium-ion batteries

Bimetallic compound, composed of two different metal elements, has emerged as an important class of electrode system. Amorphous carbon materials are widely used in anodes to reduce the internal resistance of electrodes. Therefore, SnSe bimetallic compound uniformly dispersed in acetylene black as a carbon-support has been fabricated for lithium ion batteries by high energy mechanical milling (HEMM) process under argon atmosphere. The SnSe-C composite retains a reversible capacity of 564 mAh g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 99.8%, at a current rate of 100 mA g−1 after 50 cycles. In the high rate capability test, the SnSe-C composite exhibits the charge capacity of 530 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1 charge rate. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicate that SnSe-C composite shows small increase of surface resistance than that of plain SnSe composite. The enhanced cycle stability of SnSe-C composite can be attributed to the amorphous carbon additive that offers high electrical conductivity as well as a buffer matrix that prevents the volume change during cycling.