Preparation and electrochemical properties of composites of carbon nanotubes loaded with Ag and TiO2 nanoparticle for use as anode material in lithium-ion batteries

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) loaded with Ag and Ti02 nanoparticles (Ag-Ti02/CNTs) are a composite showing promise as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries. Here we prepare Ag-Ti02/CNTs via hydrolysis and reduction processes. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical performance of the composite were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a variety of electrochemical techniques. The results show that the Ti02 and Ag nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the surface of CNTs with crystallite sizes of -12 and 30 nm, respectively. The Ag-Ti02/CNTs anode materials showed superior cycling stability and a high reversible capacity of 172 mAh/g after 30 cycles. Ag addition not only increases the electronic conductivity of the composites, but also allows convenient transfer of Li-ion in the composite structure. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.