Preparation and characterization of Co-Sn-C anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Sn-based, multicomponent composites have instilled new life in the research of novel anode materials for lithium ion batteries. CoSn2Cx anode materials with different amounts of carbon were synthesized by carbothermal reduction method, carbon component was in situ remained. This approach is simple and mass-productive. The effects of carbon component on the properties of CoSn2Cx were investigated with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and galvanostatic cycling tests. Carbon can prevent the alloy particles from agglomeration and thus decrease the alloy average particle size dispersing in carbon matrix. Carbon addition improves the cycling stability of Co-Sn-C composite electrode, but decreases its specific capacity. The incorporation of carbon improves the rate-capability of Co-Sn-C composite remarkably. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.