SnO2-based composite coaxial nanocables with multi-walled carbon nanotube and polypyrrole as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

SnO2-based composite coaxial nanocables with multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and polypyrrole (PPy), SnO2@MWCNT@SnO2@PPy have been successfully synthesized via a simple one-pot chemical route. Such a novel nanostructure can not only provide a high conductivity, but also effectively suppress mechanical stress and prevent aggregation of SnO2 nanoparticles, leading to the improvement in the electrochemical utilization and cycling stability of SnO2 during Li-storage reaction. As anode materials, the as-obtained coaxial nanocables show a reversible capacity as high as 600 mAh g− 1 and a coulombic efficiency close to 100%, which is potential for practical application in lithium-ion batteries.

► SnO2@MWCNT@SnO2@PPy coaxial nanocables were designed.
► Facile one-pot method was employed.
► Volume change in SnO2 during charge/discharge process is expected to be suppressed by PPy coating shell and inner MWCNT wall.
► The coaxial nanocables exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.