Electrochemical intercalation of lithium into graphite-antimony composites synthesized by reduction of a SbCl5-graphite intercalation compound by gaseous caesium

Preparation of antimony-based graphite composite using a graphite intercalation compound as precursor was described. A C12SbCl5 graphite intercalation compound was reduced by caesium in the vapor phase at 70degreesC. The resulting compound was composed of antimony particles deposited on a graphite matrix. Used as negative-electrode material for lithium-ion rechargeable cells, this composite presented not only an improved storage capacity (490 mAh g(-1) between 0 and 2 V versus Li+/Li) by comparison with free graphite but also enhanced dimensional stability of lithium-antimony alloys. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.