Fabrication and electrochemical performance of Sn–Ni–Cu alloy films anode for lithium-ion batteries

Sn–Ni–Cu alloy films have been prepared via electrodeposition and subsequent heat treatment under 400 °C for 8 h. Electrochemical performances of the films as anode materials were tested in lithium cells. The results clearly demonstrate that the Sn–Ni–Cu alloy film electrode exhibits highly stable specific capacities over 1100 and 430 mA h g−1 at current densities of 200 and 2000 mA g−1 after 600 cycles, respectively. It also shows a high rate performance at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 A g−1 rates. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the fine textures of the films as well as to the inactive phases of Ni and Cu, which could act as an electron conductor and an effective buffer against volume changes during cycling, and could inhibit the agglomeration of active particles (Sn). The phase segregation mechanism of the alloying/dealloying was in detailed. The approach described in this work may be used for other alloy electrode.