Abstract: FeSb2 nanorods, as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries, were prepared by solvothermal method in the present work. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations show that the FeSb2 nanorods are 20～40 nm in diameter and 0.2～1.0 μm in length. The charge-discharge measurements and cyclic voltammetry tests reveal that the FeSb2 nanorods exhibit the high initial reversible capacity of 543 mAh•g−1 and an approving cycling stability with 353 mAh•g−1 after 10 cycles. Although the initial coulomb efficiency of the FeSb2 nanorods is only 64%, it is better than that of FeSb2 nano-particles and maintains at 90% after 10 cycles. However, the FeSb2 nanorods could be pulverized and cracked during the cyclic voltammetry test resulting in the failure of the electrode.

Key words: FeSb2 nanorods, Solvothermal synthesis, Anode materials, Lithium-ion batteries