Electrochemical intercalation of lithium into graphite–antimony composites synthesized by reduction of a SbCl5–graphite intercalation compound by gaseous caesium

Preparation of antimony-based graphite composite using a graphite intercalation compound as precursor was described. A C12SbCl5 graphite intercalation compound was reduced by caesium in the vapor phase at 70 °C. The resulting compound was composed of antimony particles deposited on a graphite matrix. Used as negative-electrode material for lithium-ion rechargeable cells, this composite presented not only an improved storage capacity (490 mAh g−1 between 0 and 2 V versus Li+/Li) by comparison with free graphite but also enhanced dimensional stability of lithium–antimony alloys.