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 $200mAg^{-1}$, the electrode shows a high discharge capacity of ${\sim}664mAhg^{-1}$ after 100 cycles, which is ~ 70% of the theoretical capacity of $Fe_3O_4$. 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 $Fe_3O_4$ 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 $Fe_3O_4$ nanoparticles (iNPs).