A high-capacity dual core–shell structured MWCNTs@S@PPy nanocomposite anode for advanced aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries

Anode materials with high capacity for aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries (ARLBs) are very rarely reported. Here we found that a dual core–shell structured MWCNTs@S@PPy nanocomposite prepared by us shows excellent electrochemical performance. Its initial discharge capacity in a saturated LiAc aqueous electrolyte is very high, which is up to 481 mA h g−1 based on the weight of the composite and 879 mA h g−1 based on the sulfur content. It shows excellent rate capability. When nanotube LiMn2O4 is used as a cathode, the assembled ARLB can deliver an energy density of 110 Wh kg−1 based on two electrodes and show excellent cycling. These results show great promise for the practical application of ARLBs.