In situ synthesis of a /nano-carbon-web anode for Li-ion batteries

A CoSb3/nano-carbon-web composite was synthesized by an in situ method using polypropylene as both the reductive agent and carbon source. Hydrogen and carbon from the pyrolysis of polypropylene provide a strong reductive atmosphere and ensure the reduction of Co2+ (and Sb3+) to form CoSb3, and the residual carbon would in situ wrap around the freshly crystallized CoSb3. Electrochemical measurements show that CoSb3/nano-carbon-web as Li-ion battery anode reaches an initial charge capacity of 770 mA hg−1 and remains above 430 mA hg−1 after 20 cycles. The in situ synthesis route has the potential as a general method for the preparation of other metal (or alloy)/nano-carbon-web composites.