Fe3O4 Nanoparticles on MWCNTs Backbone for Lithium Ion Batteries

A composite electrode made of iron oxide nanoparticles/multi-wall carbon nanotube (iNPs/M) delivers high specific capacity and cycle durability. At a rate of 200 mA g(-1), the electrode shows a high discharge capacity of similar to 664 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles, which is similar to 70% of the theoretical capacity of Fe3O4. Carbon black, carbon nanotube, and graphene as anode materials have been explored to improve the electrical conductivity and cycle stability in Li ion batteries. Herein, iron oxide nanoparticles on acid treated MWCNTs as a conductive platform are combined to enhance the drawbacks of Fe3O4 such as low electrical conductivity and volume expansion during the alloying/dealloying process. Enhanced performance was achieved due to a synergistic effect between electrically 3D networks of conductive MWCNTs and the high Li ion storage ability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (iNPs).