Zn₄Sb₃ Nanotubes as Lithium Ion Battery Anodes with High Capacity and Cycling Stability

Uniform, single-crystalline Zn4Sb3 nanotubes, nanowires and nanorods on copper substrates were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. These as-grown Zn4Sb3 nanostructures were directly fabricated for lithium-ion batteries, without additional binders and conductive additives. The 1D charge transport nature and tubular structure of the nanotube anodes allowed for high capacity and excellent cycling stability, which was retained at 450 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles.