Hydrothermal realization of a hierarchical, flowerlike MnWO ₄@MWCNTs nanocomposite with enhanced reversible Li storage as a new anode material

A phase-pure MnWO₄-based nanocomposite, MnWO₄@MWCNTs (MWCNTs=multiwalled carbon nanotubes), was successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal reaction at 180 °C by adjusting the pH of the precursor medium. The resulting nanocomposite maintains the original flowerlike morphology of MnWO₄ with hierarchical structures composed of numerous single-crystalline nanorods that drive growth preferentially along the [001] direction. The growth mechanism for the flowerlike formations is also discussed. In addition, the Li electroactivity of pure MnWO₄ and MnWO ₄@MWCNTs electrodes was investigated. As an anode for Li-ion batteries, the MnWO₄@MWCNTs nanocomposite showed enhanced electrochemical performance in reversible Li storage relative to that shown by bare MnWO₄ electrodes, including a high capacity of 425 mAh g ^-1 and superior rate performance. This performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the nanocomposite combined with the MWCNTs, which provide efficient electron transport in their role as a conductor. Positively attracted: A hierarchical, flowerlike MnWO₄-based composite with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized through a one-pot hydrothermal route and evaluated as new anodes for Li-ion batteries. Relative to bare MnWO₄ electrodes, the composite electrodes exhibit outstanding electrochemical behavior with increased cyclability and rate capability and a high specific capacity.