GeO2/ZnWO4@CNT nanocomposite as a novel anode material for lithium-ion battery

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) wrapped GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf> nanocomposite was prepared by single-step solvothermal method. In this work, GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf> nanocomposites were prepared by varying the molar percentage of GeO<inf>2</inf> and by further adding SWCNT for the composite to boost the electrochemical performance. The prepared GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf> nanocomposites and GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf>@CNT nanocomposite are used as anode material for lithium-ion battery (LIB). As expected, GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf>@CNT nanocomposite exhibits higher capacities and good rate capability than the GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf> nanocomposite. The GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf>@CNT nanocomposite exhibits 930 mAh g?1 discharge capacity and 533 mAh g?1 charge capacity for the initial cycle at 100 mAh g?1 in the voltage range of 0.01–3 V (vs. Li+/Li). Even at high current density of 500 mAh g?1, GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf>@CNT nanocomposite shows 231 mAh g?1 and 257 mAh g?1 charge/discharge capacity which are higher than that of GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf> nanocomposite. The GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf>@CNT nanocomposite delivers 75.8% capacity retention and 100% coulombic efficiency even after 400 cycles at 300 mAh g?1. These results direct that GeO<inf>2</inf>/ZnWO<inf>4</inf>@CNT nanocomposite is a good negative electrode for lithium-ion battery. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.