Synthesis and electrochemical properties of SbPO4/C as a novel anode for lithium battery

The SbPO4/C composite was prepared by electrospinning combined with calcination, and the pure SbPO4 was successfully synthesized by the solvothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that SbPO4/C composite took on morphology of nanofibers, while SbPO4 took on morphology of particles with different sizes, and the SbPO4/C composite had better electrochemical properties than those of pure SbPO4. At a current density of 0.1 Ag-1, the initial specific capacity of the SbPO4/C material was 1255.7 mAhg(-1), which was much higher than that of pure SbPO4 (695.3 mAhg(-1)). After 200 cycles, the specific discharge capacity of the SbPO4/C composite could be maintained at 845.7 mAhg(-1). Besides, the SbPO4/C composite also behaved good rate performance. Therefore, the SbPO4/C composite is a promising anode material for the lithium-ion battery.