Multi-walled carbon nanotubes and chromium ferrites nanoparticles nanohybrids as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Two-step synthesis route was opted for the preparation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and chromium ferrites (CrFe2O4) nanoparticles nanohybrids. In the first step, CrFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared through co-precipitation route, while in second step an ultra-sonication assisted route was chosen for dispersion of these nanoparticles on the surface of MWCNTs. A polar solvent toluene was used for the dispersion of these nanoparticles and MWCNTs to obtain the final product (MWCNTs)x/CrFe2O4; x = 0–20 wt% nanohybrids. X-rays diffraction (XRD) confirmed the corresponding crystal structures of MWCNTs and (MWCNTs)x/CrFe2O4 nanohybrids. It was evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that CrFe2O4 nanoparticles were evenly distributed on the surface of MWCNTs. The morphology of (MWCNTs)x/CrFe2O4 nanohybrids confined the pulverization of active material that ensured electron-ion transport efficiency during lithiation and de-lithiation. Consequently, these nanohybrids exhibited prime cyclic performance at different values of current densities. These (MWCNTs)x/CrFe2O4 nanohybrids revealed better Li+ storage properties with high Coulombic efficiency ‘Ce’, better cyclic stability, improved reversible specific discharge capacity after 100 cycles and enhanced rate capability. Thus, current study offered a low-cost and facile synthesis route to prepare these nanohybrids as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.