Charge storage in carbon nanotube–TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were directly deposited onto Ni modified TiO2 particles using chemical vapour deposition (CVD). These novel hybrid nanostrucured MWNT/TiO2 composites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a novel hybrid structure wherein the CNT growth sprouted from the TiO2 particles and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) that revealed a carbon content of 8%. Electrochemical methods were used to determine capacitance values as high as 146 F g−1 using acetonitrile containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate as electrolyte. An energy density and power density of 21 Wh kg−1 and 10 kW kg−1 respectively were obtained.

► Preparation of novel MWNT/TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles by using chemical vapour deposition.
► Capacitance values as high as 146 F g−1 were obtained in 0.1 M Tetrabutylammonium perchlorate.
► Demonstates highly accessible surface area and high cyclability of MWCNT/Ni–TiO2.