Hybrid Nanocomposites of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and CuO as Electrode Materials for Energy Storage Devices

The search for electrode materials as a potential candidate for Li-ion based batteries is important to achieve high-performance devices. This work constitutes the experimental and theoretical investigation of structural stability and electrochemical behavior of cupric oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CuO/MWNNTs) nanocomposites. The electrochemical performance of nanocomposites was gauged employing charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry studies. It is shown that electrochemical properties of pure materials, due to the synergistic effect, are considerably enhanced in CuO/MWNNTs composites. As a result, high rate capability and better cycling stability is observed in CuO-5%MWCNTs samples. In addition, this composite possesses better specific capacity 810 mAh g⁻¹ and a high columbic efficiency of 80.86%. The DFT calculations also confirmed the improved electrochemical properties of MWCNTs in the presence of CuO nanoparticles.