Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of InSn4 and InSn4/C as new anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

The InSn₄ intermetallic powders are synthesized via carbothermal reduction route from In₂O₃ and SnO₂. The reaction possibility is estimated by thermodynamic calculation. Pure InSn₄ intermetallic powders with spherical morphology can be obtained at 900 °C in flowing nitrogen. The micro-sized InSn₄ particle is actually composed of a large number of nano-sized grains with polycrystalline and loose structure. The synthesized InSn₄ shows high reversible specific capacity (ca. 500 mAhg^?1) and a good cycling performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Coating InSn₄ with carbon can increase the reversible specific capacity and improve significantly the rate capability. The InSn₄/C composite displays a stable specific capacity of ca. 600 mAhg^?1. In consideration of the simple and moderate synthesis route and the mass productive feature, the InSn₄/C composite is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.