Abstract: Sn-Sb alloy nanoparticles were prepared by hydrogen plasma-metal reaction. The morphology, crystal structure, and electrochemical action of the nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and galvanostatic cycling tests. The results show that the particles are spherical in shape, with average particle diameter of 138 nm, and composed of Sn and SnSb phases. Electrochemical cycling tests of model cells show that the specific capacity is far more than that of carbon materials. The lithiation capacity and delithiation capacity in the first cycle reached 930 mAh•g−1 and 701 mAh•g−1, respectively, and it has a good cycling stability. The capacity retention at the 20th cycle is 81%, and the reversible specific capacity is 566 mAh•g−1. The Sn-Sb alloy nanomaterial prepared by hydrogen plasma-metal reaction can be considered as candidate for the anode materials of lithium ion battery.

Key words: Nanomaterial, Sn-Sb alloy, Lihium ion battery, Anode material