Incorporation of MWCNTs into leaf-like CuO nanoplates for superior reversible Li-ion storage

CuO/MWCNT nanocomposite is prepared by a simple precipitation method. The MWCNTs are incorporated into the leaf-like CuO nanoplates and build up a network to connect the CuO nanoleaves. The as-prepared CuO/MWCNT exhibits superior reversible Li-ion storage, the capacity maintains 627 mAh g(-1) at 60 mA g(-1), even after 50 cycles. The improved capability is ascribed to the MWCNT network in the composite, which improves the electrical contact of CuO/CuO and CuO/current collector, facilitates the charge transfer on CuO/electrolyte interfaces, and compensates the volume change of CuO during cycling. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.