Lithium storage performance of carbon nanotubes prepared from polyaniline for lithium-ion batteries

Carbon nanotubes with large surface area and surface nitrogen and oxygen functional groups are prepared by carbonizing and activating of polyaniline nanotubes, which is synthesized by polymerization of aniline with the self-assembly method in aqueous media. The physicochemical properties of the carbon nanotubes are characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, elemental analyses and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The surface area and pore diameter are 618.9 m2 g−1 and 3.10 nm. The electrochemical properties of the carbon nanotubes as anode materials in lithium ion batteries are evaluated. At a current density of 100 mA g−1, the activated carbon nanotube shows an enormously first discharge capacity of about 1370 mAh g−1 and a charge capacity of 907 mAh g−1. After 20 cycling tests, the activated carbon nanotube retains a reversible capacity of 728 mAh g−1. These indicate it may be a promising candidate for an anode material for lithium secondary batteries.

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► Polyaniline nanotube is synthesized by the self-assembly method in aqueous media.
► Carbon nanotubes were prepared from polyaniline nanotube by physical activation.
► Activation leads to large surface area, and surface nitrogen and oxygen functional groups.
► Such physical and chemical properties lead to the good electrochemical properties.
► After 20 cycles, a reversible capacity of 728 mAh g−1 was obtained.