Layer-by-layer assembled sandwich-like carbon nanotubes/graphene oxide composite as high-performance electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Carbon nanotubes/graphene oxide (CNT/GO) composite with a sandwich-like structure was fabricated by a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembled method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that the open-ended carbon nanotubes constructed network architecture with well-developed nanopores between the graphene oxide sheets, and formed a laminated sandwich-like film. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the composite delivered an initial reversible capacity of 1093 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 100 mA g^-1 and remained a reversible capacity of 850 mAh g^-1 at the 60th cycle. In addition, the composite exhibited high rate capability. Such enhanced lithium storage performance of the composite could be ascribed to the special sandwich-like structure which could provide more sites for Li⁺ storage and facilitate lithium ion movement.