Engineering a novel microcapsule of Cu9S5 core and SnS2 quantum dot/carbon nanotube shell as a Li-ion battery anode.

A novel microcapsule composed of Cu9S5 and SnS2 quantum dots (QDs)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared through a microfluidic approach was developed for a Li-ion battery anode. CNTs enhance the conductivity, while pores in the shell facilitate electrolyte penetration, and void in the microcapsule buffers the volume change. The microcapsule-based anode displayed stable capacity, a Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%, and reversible rate-performance at temperatures of -10 °C and 45 °C, which are significant for developing high-performance energy-storage materials and battery systems.