Electrochemical lithium ion storage properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes containing organic molecules

The Li ion storage properties of single-walled carbon nanotube peapods containing one of three organic molecules (9,10-dichloroanthracene, beta-carotene, coronene) were measured. It was found by electrochemical charge-discharge measurements that the reversible storage capacity of the SWCNTs significantly increased as a result of the inclusion, although unfortunately the samples are still not appropriate for the practical use as an anode material in Li ion battery because of the high irreversible capacity (>900 mAh/g). In the most effective case, the tube containing the organic molecule can store about 2.5 times more Li ions compared to an empty tube. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.