Electrochemical and structural characterizations of InSb nanoparticles prepared using a sodium naphthalenide reduction method

Abstract

InSb nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 10 nm prepared by the reduction of metal salts using sodium naphthalenide at 350°C was discussed in terms of its electrochemical, ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations. Ex situ XRD and TEM results revealed the progressive formation of extruded In from InSb, followed by the formation of Li 3 In 2 and In 3 Li 13 with a lithium alloy process. In addition, it was observed that Li 2 Sb and Li 3 Sb were formed as a result of the decomposition of InSb. During lithium dealloying, Li 3Sb and In 3 Li 13 were returned to Sb and In, respectively. Nanosized InSb particles showed a charge capacity of 590 mAhg from the first-charge capacity of 670 mAhg after 30 cycles, leading to a cycle retention ratio of 86%. This value was far superior to its bulk counterpart, which showed only a 48% capacity retention ratio after the same cycles. The improved capacity retention of the nanosized InSb was due to significantly decreased particle pulverization, compared to the bulk counterpart.