Zn4Sb3(-C-7) powders as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries

The electrochemical properties of beta -Zn4Sb3 and Zn4Sb3-C-7 as new lithiu m-ion anode materials were investigated. The reversible capacities of the p ure Zn4Sb3 alloy electrode and 100 h milled Zn4Sb3 in the first cycle reach ed 503 and 566 mA h/g, respectively, but the cycle stability of Zn4Sb3 whet her milled or not were obviously bad. It was demonstrated that cycle stabil ity of Zn4Sb3 could be largely improved by milling after mixing with graphi te. It was shown that Zr4Sb3-C-7 composite has a lithium-ion extraction cap acity of 581 mA h/ g at the first cycle and 402 mA h/g at 10th cycle. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.