Evaluating a Dual-Ion Battery with an Antimony-Carbon Composite Anode

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Dual-ion batteries (DIBs) offer high operating voltage, suitable for stationary energy storage.
• Lithium-alloying anode materials are crucial for enhancing DIB capacity and energy density.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate antimony-carbon composite (Sb-C) as a novel anode material for DIB full cells.
• To investigate the performance of Sb-C anodes in different electrolyte conditions and voltage windows.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and testing of graphite||Sb-C full cells.
• Assessment in highly concentrated electrolytes with and without vinylene carbonate additive.
• Evaluation across two distinct cell voltage windows (2-4.5 V and 2-4.8 V).

Main Results:

• Sb-C full cells achieved maximum specific energies of 290 Wh/kg (electrode mass basis) and 154 Wh/kg (total active material basis).
• The study provides insights into the electrochemical behavior of Sb-C anodes in DIBs.

Conclusions:

• Antimony-carbon composite demonstrates potential as a high-capacity anode material for dual-ion batteries.
• This research expands the understanding of non-graphitic anodes in DIB applications.