Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of CuC₂O₄·xH₂O and CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Pure CuC₂O₄·xH₂O and CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composites are synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal process. The structure and morphology of the products are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Raman spectrum. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared CuC₂O₄·xH₂O takes on a microsphere-like morphology, all CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/CNTs nanocomposites are constructed by the intertwining of tabular CuC₂O₄·xH₂O nanoparticles (NPs) and CNTs to form a tanglesome net. When evaluated as an anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), all CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/CNTs electrodes possess higher reversible discharge capacities (more than 1000 mAh g^-1) than the pure CuC₂O₄·xH₂O, up to 200th cycle at a current density of 100 mA g^-1. The results illustrate that the addition of CNTs can enhance the electrochemical performance of CuC₂O₄·xH₂O. Overall, CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/CNTs composite can be a promising candidate used as a promising anode for LIBs.