Abstract
Self-supported transition metal pnictides (MPn) (with M= Ni, Cu and Pn = P, Sb) nanoarchitectured electrodes were prepared by solid state reaction from metallic foam and nanorods. This specific design aims to optimize both MPn/current collector and MPn/electrolyte interfaces of the electrode in the Li ion battery. This new electrode preparation process is based on the Pn solid state reaction with the metallic M nanoarchitectured substrate. Electrochemical tests of the as-obtained self supported electrodes show the improvement in the capacity retention of MPn active material in the Li battery. This simple synthesis process can conceptually provide new opportunities for tailored design of electrode materials.