Metal nanotubes make for better batteries

Researchers in the US have taken an important step towards understanding exactly how single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) boost the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The team found that metallic SWCNTs are able to accommodate more lithium atoms than semiconducting SWCNTs, which could lead to better performance. The research also reveals how semiconducting SWCNTs could be made to take up more lithium. The work could have a broad practical impact because lithium-ion batteries are used in a range of portable electronic devices.