Facile Synthesis of SiO₂@C Nanoparticles Anchored on MWNT as High-Performance Anode Materials for Li-ion Batteries

Carbon-coated silica nanoparticles anchored on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SiO₂@C/MWNT composite) were synthesized via a simple and facile sol-gel method followed by heat treatment. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) studies confirmed densely anchoring the carbon-coated SiO₂ nanoparticles onto a flexible MWNT conductive network, which facilitated fast electron and lithium-ion transport and improved structural stability of the composite. As prepared, ternary composite anode showed superior cyclability and rate capability compared to a carbon-coated silica counterpart without MWNT (SiO₂@C). The SiO₂@C/MWNT composite exhibited a high reversible discharge capacity of 744 mAh g^-1 at the second discharge cycle conducted at a current density of 100 mA g^-1 as well as an excellent rate capability, delivering a capacity of 475 mAh g^-1 even at 1000 mA g^-1. This enhanced electrochemical performance of SiO₂@C/MWNT ternary composite anode was associated with its unique core-shell and networking structure and a strong mutual synergistic effect among the individual components.