Synthesis of CNT@Fe3O4-C hybrid nanocables as anode materials with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries

We report a simple method to prepare hierarchical structures of carbon-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated on conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) backbone as advanced anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The CNTs backbone serves as a shape template and conducting network to facilitate electron and lithium ion transport, while the carbon coating acts as a buffering layer to maintain the structural integrity of the electrode upon cycling. The prepared CNT@Fe3O4-C hybrid nanocables electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with long-term cycling stability and high specific capacity of similar to 1080 mAh g(-1) after 700 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g(-1), and good rate capability, which could be attributed to their unique structural features as well as the improved mechanical stability enabled by the outer carbon coating layer. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.