A chemical deposition was supposed to be an efficient method in preparation of nano-sized Sn/MWNTs. The nanocomposites of MWNTs and Sn/MWNTs were both used as anodes of lithium ion battery. The special capacities and coulomb efficiencies of Sn/MWNTs were studied by means of electrochemical methods. The coating of Sn on MWNTs observed by TEM was amorphous and nano-sized. The reversible capacity of Sn/MWNTs, which was much larger than that of MWNTs, was 824 mAh/g in the 1st charge and discharge cycle. The coulomb efficiency of Sn/MWNTs in the 1st cycle was increased by 16% compared with that of MWNTs. The additional Sn, which was 37wt% of total Sn/MWNTs’ weight, introduced the additional reversible lithiation capacity at least 250 mAh/g in the 40 charge and discharge cycles. The dispersing degree of Sn on MWNTs was the main reason for the influence of the electrochemical performance of the Sn/MWNTs. Sn/MWNTs is proved to be a promising candidate as an anode of lithium ion battery.
