Abstract
We show that the proper use of lithiumβmetal (LiβM) alloys as electrodes in lithium cells requires formulations capable of maintaining their integrity upon cycling. A very effective one is based on the dispersion of nanosized metal particles within a carbon matrix in order to form MβC composites. The validity of this strategy has been demonstrated in the cases where M is Sn and Sb, respectively. Tests in lithium cells demonstrate that the SnβC composite electrodes have a specific capacity much higher than that of commercial graphite, i.e. 500βmAhg^β1^ versus 370βmAhg^β1^, and that this high value is kept unchanged for several hundreds of cycles. The SbβC composite electrode has an intrinsic capacity lower than that of the SnβC one; however, also in this case, the capacity delivery remains stable for many cycles, thus confirming the unique role of the carbon matrix in stabilising the electrode structure. The investigation of the LiβM alloy electrodes has been extended to SnβCoβC ternary systems which supposedly are similar to that used as anode in a recently released commercial battery. Also, these electrodes show favourable cycling characteristics, although some questions still remain on the capacity retention upon prolonged cycling.