Germanium nanocrystals-MWCNTs composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Germanium (Ge) nanocrystals with and without multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are synthesised in via solvothermal approach. The active anode material is characterized by X-ray Diffraction pattern (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charging and discharging are employed to characterize electrochemical behaviour. The results show Ge-MWCNTs nanocomposite improved cycling performance with higher capacity retention compared to pure Ge electrode: discharge capacity of ~ 1170 mAh g-1 after 10 cycles and good capacity retention are achieved.