Facile Synthesis of SiO(2)@C Nanoparticles Anchored on MWNT as High-Performance Anode Materials for Li-ion Batteries

Carbon-coated silica nanoparticles anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SiO(2)@C/MWNT composite) were synthesized via a simple and facile sol-gel method followed by heat treatment. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) studies confirmed densely anchoring the carbon-coated SiO(2) nanoparticles onto a flexible MWNT conductive network, which facilitated fast electron and lithium-ion transport and improved structural stability of the composite. As prepared, ternary composite anode showed superior cyclability and rate capability compared to a carbon-coated silica counterpart without MWNT (SiO(2)@C). The SiO(2)@C/MWNT composite exhibited a high reversible discharge capacity of 744 mAh g(−1) at the second discharge cycle conducted at a current density of 100 mA g(−1) as well as an excellent rate capability, delivering a capacity of 475 mAh g(−1) even at 1000 mA g(−1). This enhanced electrochemical performance of SiO(2)@C/MWNT ternary composite anode was associated with its unique core-shell and networking structure and a strong mutual synergistic effect among the individual components.