Preparation and Lithium Storage Performance of MWCNT@SiO2 Coaxial Nanocables?

MWCNT@SiO2 coaxial nanocables were prepared via a facile hydrolysis-condensation process of tetraethyl orthosilicate(TEOS) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNT) as templates. The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of the nanohybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical measurements. It is indicated that the MWCNT templates have been fully wrapped by SiO2 layer with uniform thickness and porous nature, which is beneficial for the enhanced Li-storage capabilities of the MWCNT @ SiO2 nanohybrids. When evaluated as anode materials for Li-ion battery, the MWCNT@SiO2 coaxial nanocables exhibit high specific capacities and excellent cycling performance. For example, the MWCNT@SiO2 coaxial nanocables are able to deliver a high discharge capacity of 431. 7 mA . h/g after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g, which is higher than the theoretical capacity of graphite (372 mA h/g). The facile synthetic methodology and enhanced lithium-storage performances of the MWCNT@SiO2 coaxial nanocables make it an ideal anodic candidate for high-energy and long-life Li-ion batteries(LIBs).