Abstract: The three-dimensional reticular Sn-Co alloy deposits were prepared by electroplating. The structure and electrochemical performance of the electroplated three-dimensional reticular Sn-Co alloys have been investigated in detail. Experimental results show that the Sn-Co alloy film is of hexagonal solid solution, with Sn as the solvent, Co as the solute. Electrochemical tests show that the three-dimensional reticular Sn-Co alloy coating electrodes can deliver a discharge capacity of 493.4 mAh•g−1 in the first cycle. At the 50th cycle the charge was 329.6 mAh•g−1. The three-dimensional reticular structure in Sn-Co alloy electrode was beneficial in reducing the irreversible capacity of Sn-Co alloy electrode at initial charge-discharge, and in relaxing the volume expansion during cycling, which improved the cyclability of Sn-Co alloy electrode. They are also beneficial to diffusion of Li into /out of macroporous materials, and improve coulomb efficiency in charge-discharge cycle.

Key words: Electroplating, Three-dimensional reticular Sn-Co alloy, Lithium ion battery, Electrochemical performance