Bamboo-like porous CNTs encapsulated Zn3V3O8 nanoparticles as high-performance anodes for lithium ion batteries

Bamboo-like porous carbon nanotubes (CNTs) encapsulated Zn 3 V 3 O 8 nanoparticles with high filling uniformity were synthesized for the first time using polymer nanotubes as the carbon source through a simple encapsulation–calcination strategy. The porous CNTs are a good encapsulation matrix for the Zn 3 V 3 O 8 nanoparticles because of large internal cavity, good electrical conductivity , high surface area and high flexibility. As anodes for lithium ion batteries , this composite exhibits excellent capacity (1013.1 mA h g −1 at 200 mA g −1 ), good rate capability (329.3 mA h g −1 at 8000 mA g −1 ) and cycling stability (470.5 mA h g −1 after 300 cycles at 3000 mA g −1 ). The one-dimensional encapsulation matrix of CNTs in the composites with a unique structure provides high conductivity, prevents the exfoliation of Zn 3 V 3 O 8 nanoparticles and accommodates the volume changes. Besides, the composite electrode has a multistage pore structure , which can shorten the transmission distance of Li + ions and electrons. As a result, the encapsulated nanocomposite shows excellent performances.