Electrochemical and Structural Characterizations of InSb Nanoparticles Prepared Using a Sodium Naphthalenide Reduction Method.

lnSb nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 10 nm prepared by the reduction of metal salts using sodium naphthalenide at 350°C was discussed in terms of its electrochemical, ex Situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations. Ex situ XRD and TEM results revealed the progressive formation of extruded In from InSb, followed by the formation of Li₃In₂ and In₃Li₁₃ with a lithium alloy process. In addition, it was observed that Li₂Sb and Li₃Sb were formed as a result of the decomposition of InSb. During lithium dealloying, Li₃Sb and In₃Li₁₃ were returned to Sb and In, respectively. Nanosized lnSb particles showed a charge capacity of 590 mAh/g from the first-charge capacity of 670 mAh/g after 30 cycles, leading to a cycle retention ratio of 86%. This value was far superior to its bulk counterpart, which showed only a 48% capacity retention ratio after the same cycles. The improved capacity retention of the nanosized InSb was due to significantly decreased particle pulverization, compared to the bulk counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]