Carbon nanotube reinforced NiO fibers for rechargeable lithium batteries

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) reinforced NiO fibers with diameter smaller than 50 nm have successfully been prepared by electrospinning method combined with calcination. The SWNTs homogeneously distributed in the NiO fibers were characterized by high resolved transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Charge and discharge data showed that 3D network structures of NiO–SWNTs fibers exhibited a relatively higher reversible capacity and lower capacity loss than that of NiO at the charge and discharge current density of 2C, and its discharge capacity was about 337 mAh/g after 20 cycles. Our results demonstrated that the SWNTs reinforced fibers had a better cycling performance at large charge and discharge current densities.

Graphical abstractSingle-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) reinforced NiO fibers with diameter smaller than 50 nm have successfully been prepared by electrospinning method combined with calcination. Raman spectra from the pure NiO powder in the 470–800 cm−1 can be observed in the NiO–SWNTs fibers, confirming the existence of NiO in the fiber. Raman shift peak at 1585 cm−1 and 1332 cm−1 from the pure SWNTs and NiO–SWNTs fibers are typical stretching modes of SWNTs. Raman spectrum of NiO–SWNTs fibers, the SWNTs and NiO powders suggest that the SWNTs are distributed in the NiO fibers.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide