Graphitic carbon tube obtained by catalytic decomposition of CH4 for anode of Li ion rechargeable battery

Graphitic carbon nanotubes were prepared by the decomposition of CH4 over the Ni catalysts and the anodic properties of the obtained tubular graphite for Li-ion rechargeable battery were investigated. The Li intercalation capacity increased, however, the reversible intercalation capacity was decreased with increasing graphitic nanotube surface area. Graphitic tubes prepared at 973 K exhibited almost the theoretical Li intercalation capacity. In addition, it was found that a post annealing treatment of the graphite tube was effective for improving the coulomb efficiency.