CNT and metal oxide based 3D networking structure as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Since the commercial launce of lithium-ion batteries (UBs) by Sony in the early 1990s, tremendous efforts have been given to develop high performance anode material to control the safety issues of using expensive lithium metal. Graphite anode as one of the suitable choice appeared but failed due to its low theoretical capacity and sluggish solid-state ion diffusion. Efforts are also given to develop transition metal oxides (TMOs) based LIB anodes because of their high theoretical capacity, but severe volume changes during charge/discharge process and low electronic conductivity hinders their way to be successfully used in LIBs. Therefore, several composite anodes based on conductive carbon materials and TMOs have been developed to reduce the volume changes of active materials and provide suitable electronic conductivity, however, searching is still continuing to introduce the best anode for LIBs in place of lithium metal. Therefore, we are introducing one hierarchically porous multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) networks prepared through a process involving ozonation, ice templating assembly, and thermal treatment, thereby integrating the networks with metal oxide particles such as iron oxides, tin dioxide, cobalt oxide, zinc oxide and so on. Such CNT and metal oxide based composite network not only traps the active materials tightly but also provides fast charge transport through the 3D inter networked pathways and the mechanical integrity