Abstract:

An antimony (Sb) and Sb$_{2}$O$_{3}$ composite is prepared by mild oxidization of porous Sb. The oxidization temperature is determined through a gradient experiment, and the Sb$_{2}$O$_{3}$ content of the composite is controlled by controlling the oxidization duration. Results show that Sb contributes good conductivity and that the rate performance of the composite is enhanced, whereas Sb$_{2}$O$_{3 }$ contributes high capacity and the Li$_{2}$O produced during the conversion reaction can prevent agglomeration of Sb. As a result of the synergistic effect, the initial Coulombic efficiency of the Sb$_{2}$O$_{3}$/Sb composite is 78.2% and the retained capacity is 729.6 mAh$\cdot$g$^{-1}$ after 100 cycles at a current density of 200 mA$\cdot$g$^{-1}$. The Sb$_{2}$O$_{3}$/Sb composite sustains a capacity of 203 mAh$\cdot$g$^{-1}$ even at a current density of 10 000 mA$\cdot$g$^{-1}$. Compared with porous Sb, both the cyclic and rate performance of the Sb$_{2}$O$_{3}$/Sb composite is significantly enhanced.

Key words: lithium-ion battery, anode material, Sb$_{2}$O$_{3}$/Sb composite, synergistic effect