New synthesis method of sword-sheath structured carbon nanotubes

Here, we report a facile method to synthesize a novel material-mesoporous carbon nanowires trapped in carbon nanotubes forming sword-sheath structures (MCW@CNT). They are fabricated by combining surfactant-templating self-assembly method and chemical vapor deposition in AAO template. Both of the sword and the sheath are formed by graphitic layers analogous to multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The formation of this sword-sheath structure resulted in the enhancement of specific surface area. Uniform SnO₂ nanoparticles were deposited in the inner space of carbon nanotubes. The electrochemical properties of the SnO₂-MCW@CNTs composites as anode materials for lithium batteries were investigated.