Stem-like nano-heterostructural MWCNTs/α-Fe2O3@TiO2 composite with high lithium storage capability

Stem-like nano-heterostructural MWCNTs/alpha-Fe2O3@TiO2 (MCFT) composite, which is composed of TiO2 coated alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles firmly and uniformly anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), has been successfully fabricated via a facile layer-by-layer deposition technique and further investigated as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). It has been found that the as-obtained MCFT composite exhibits greatly improved electrochemical properties with satisfactory cyclability, admirable rate capability and favorable specific capacity for high-performance LIBs in comparison to MWCNTs/alpha-Fe2O3 (MCF), originating from a synergistic effect of highly electric conductivity with good flexibility of MWCNTs, excellent structural stability of TiO2, and extraordinarily high theoretical capacity of alpha-Fe2O3. Specifically, it is capable of delivering a reversible capacity of as high as 770 mAh g(-1) at 200 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles and exhibiting a steady discharge capacity of 670 mAh g(-1) even cycled at a large current density of 1000 mA g(-1). (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.