3D multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for Li-ion battery anode

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes have attracted great attention as promising electrode materials for Li-ion batteries due to major advantages including large surface area and low resistance path. We developed novel multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based 3-dimensional anode for high-efficiency Li-ion batteries. The MWCNTs were synthesized through catalytic thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on 3-dimensional Cu electrode. The 3D Cu electrode played a crucial role in accommodating much larger number of MWCNTs, leading to more amount of Li + ion intake. Results from electrochemical characterization of Li-ion battery with 3D anode indicate better properties as compared to those with MWCNTs on 2D Cu foil anode. In addition, MWCNTs with sputtered amorphous Si (a-Si) layer on them (a-Si/MWCNTs core-shell structure) were also used as anode using a 3D geometry and improved electrochemical properties of these modified MWCNT anode were observed. Moreover, relation between electrochemical performance and structural properties of the MWCNTs and hybrid a-Si/MWCNTs composite on 3D Cu electrode is discussed.