Preparation and electrochemical properties of composites of carbon nanotubes loaded with Ag and TiO₂ nanoparticle for use as anode material in lithium-ion batteries

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) loaded with Ag and TiO₂ nanoparticles (Ag-TiO₂/CNTs) are a composite showing promise as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries. Here we prepare Ag-TiO₂/CNTs via hydrolysis and reduction processes. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical performance of the composite were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a variety of electrochemical techniques. The results show that the TiO₂ and Ag nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the surface of CNTs with crystallite sizes of ∼12 and 30 nm, respectively. The Ag-TiO₂/CNTs anode materials showed superior cycling stability and a high reversible capacity of 172 mAh/g after 30 cycles. Ag addition not only increases the electronic conductivity of the composites, but also allows convenient transfer of Li-ion in the composite structure.