Comparative study of the (Co/Mn/Ni) _xSn _y intermetallic compounds as anode active materials for lithium-ion batteries

Tin-based materials have been considered as next-generation candidates to replace carbon as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacities and electrical conductivity. However, the commercialization of tin-based materials is still challenging owing to volumetric expansion due to continuous cycling, which further degrades the lithium storage capacity. One strategy for mitigating this issue is the incorporation of intermetallic compounds into the electrode material, which buffers the mechanical stability of the electrode. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of tin-based intermetallic anode compounds (Co₃Sn₂, Mn₂Sn, and Ni₃Sn₂) using a facile flux method. The prepared materials belonging to the P6₃/mmc space group were further implemented as the anode in LIBs, and a comparative analysis was conducted. Interestingly, among the prepared samples, the Mn₂Sn electrode was found to offer the lowest sheet resistance (36.4 Ω sq⁻¹) and charge transfer resistance (53.3 Ω), which were beneficial for enhancing the specific capacity up to approximately 379.2 mA h g⁻¹ with extended stability up to 50 cycles at a current density of 0.05 A g⁻¹.