# A Covalent 3D CNT@rGO Nano‐Hybrid for High‐Efficiency Conductivity in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

## TL;DR

A new 3D carbon composite improves battery performance by enabling efficient electron transport and long-lasting energy storage.

## Contribution

A one-step CVD method creates a high-yield, covalently bonded CNT@rGO hybrid for battery conductive agents.

## Key findings

- The 3D CNT@rGO composite achieves 7692.31% CNT growth yield on rGO.
- It provides 96.32% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1 C rate.
- The composite enables multidirectional conductive networks in LiFePO4 cathodes.

## Abstract

The limitations of conventional conductive agents in lithium‐ion batteries, such as carbon black and graphite flakes, have driven the search for high‐performance alternatives. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene offer exceptional conductivity and lower dosage requirements, but face challenges related to high costs and complex fabrication processes. Herein, we develop a facile and cost‐effective one‐step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) strategy to achieve ultrahigh‐yield CNT growth (7692.31%) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), constructing a covalently integrated 3D CNT@rGO composite. When deployed as a conductive agent in LiFePO4 cathodes, the 3D architecture establishes multidirectional conductive networks that facilitate unimpeded electron/ion transport during electrochemical reactions. This results in significantly enhanced rate capability across 1‐6 C rates and exceptional cycling stability with 96.32% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1 C. The synergistic attributes—including multidimensional conduction pathways, minimal catalyst residue (0.52%), and homogeneous dispersion—collectively provide an efficient and economical solution for next‐generation battery technologies. This work paves the way for scalable battery technologies utilizing high‐performance carbon‐based conductive agents.

A facile one‐step CVD strategy achieves high‐yield (7692.31%) growth of CNTs on rGO, forming a covalently bonded 3D CNT@rGO hybrid. This structure enables multidirectional conductive networks in LiFePO4 cathodes, delivering superior rate performance, high ICE (99.88%), and 96.32% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1 C.