High concentration nitrogen doped carbon nanotube anodes with superior Li+ storage performance for lithium rechargeable battery application

► High concentration nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (HN-CNTs) was synthesized. ► Bamboo-like HN-CNTs (as high as 16.4 at.%) was confirmed by HRTEM and XPS. ► HN-CNTs show approximately double reversible capacity and better rate capability. ► The performance results from high electrical conductivity and defect sites.