Multiwalled carbon nanotubes anchored with maghemite nanocrystals for high-performance lithium storage

Highlights: • γ-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals uniformly anchored on MWCNT via facile layer-by-layer technique. • The hybrid exhibits enhanced structural stability and charge transport capability. • Superior lithium storage performance by virtue of unique structural characteristics. - Abstract: In this paper, we have anchored maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) nanocrystals compactly and uniformly on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) via a polyelectrolyte-assisted layer-by-layer assembly approach based on electrostatic attraction. When evaluated as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the as-synthesized MWCNT-γ-Fe₂O₃ nanohybrid displays high reversible capacities, remarkable cycling stability, and magnificent high rate capability, facilitating its application as an advanced anode for high-energy, long-life, and high-power LIBs