The present invention relates to a method for the passivation of MgAl.sub.2O.sub.4 (Mg-spinel) powders against hydrolysis exhibiting in aqueous media by coating the surfaces with Al.sub.2O.sub.3 during the synthesis via flame pyrolysis technique. Stable aqueous suspensions with high solid loading and low viscosity can be prepared from coated powders with a core/shell structure of MgO.nAl.sub.2O.sub.3 (0.65<n<4.10)/Al.sub.2O.sub.3. Such suspensions might not only ensure production of high quality granules, but also enable production of green bodies with high density and homogeneity through wet forming methods. Accordingly, precise microstructural control can be ensured during sintering. Al.sub.2O.sub.3 shell re-dissolves within the core during sintering at variable temperatures depending on the core stoichiometry (n value). The final stoichiometry might be altered by controlling the n value of the core, the shell thickness and particle size distribution.

A vertical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor and a method for synthesizing metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes. The CVD reactor includes a preheating zone portion and a reaction zone portion, and preferably an additional cooling zone portion and a product collector. The method includes (a) subjecting a liquid reactant solution comprising an organic solvent, a metallocene, and a metal alkoxide to atomization in the presence of a gas flow comprising a carrier gas and a support gas to form an atomized mixture, and (b) heating the atomized mixture to a temperature of 200 C.-1400 C., wherein the heating forms a metal oxide and at least one carbon source compound, wherein the metallocene catalyzes the formation of carbon nanotubes from the at least one carbon source compound and the metal oxide is incorporated into or on a surface of the carbon nanotubes to form the metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes.

A vertical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor and a method for synthesizing metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes. The CVD reactor includes a preheating zone portion and a reaction zone portion, and preferably an additional cooling zone portion and a product collector. The method includes (a) subjecting a liquid reactant solution comprising an organic solvent, a metallocene, and a metal alkoxide to atomization in the presence of a gas flow comprising a carrier gas and a support gas to form an atomized mixture, and (b) heating the atomized mixture to a temperature of 200 C.-1400 C., wherein the heating forms a metal oxide and at least one carbon source compound, wherein the metallocene catalyzes the formation of carbon nanotubes from the at least one carbon source compound and the metal oxide is incorporated into or on a surface of the carbon nanotubes to form the metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes.

A vertical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor and a method for synthesizing metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes. The CVD reactor includes a preheating zone portion and a reaction zone portion, and preferably an additional cooling zone portion and a product collector. The method includes (a) subjecting a liquid reactant solution comprising an organic solvent, a metallocene, and a metal alkoxide to atomization in the presence of a gas flow comprising a carrier gas and a support gas to form an atomized mixture, and (b) heating the atomized mixture to a temperature of 200 C.1400 C., wherein the heating forms a metal oxide and at least one carbon source compound, wherein the metallocene catalyzes the formation of carbon nanotubes from the at least one carbon source compound and the metal oxide is incorporated into or on a surface of the carbon nanotubes to form the metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes.

A vertical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor and a method for synthesizing metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes. The CVD reactor includes a preheating zone portion and a reaction zone portion, and preferably an additional cooling zone portion and a product collector. The method includes (a) subjecting a liquid reactant solution comprising an organic solvent, a metallocene, and a metal alkoxide to atomization in the presence of a gas flow comprising a carrier gas and a support gas to form an atomized mixture, and (b) heating the atomized mixture to a temperature of 200 C.-1400 C., wherein the heating forms a metal oxide and at least one carbon source compound, wherein the metallocene catalyzes the formation of carbon nanotubes from the at least one carbon source compound and the metal oxide is incorporated into or on a surface of the carbon nanotubes to form the metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes.

A vertical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor and a method for synthesizing metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes. The CVD reactor includes a preheating zone portion and a reaction zone portion, and preferably an additional cooling zone portion and a product collector. The method includes (a) subjecting a liquid reactant solution comprising an organic solvent, a metallocene, and a metal alkoxide to atomization in the presence of a gas flow comprising a carrier gas and a support gas to form an atomized mixture, and (b) heating the atomized mixture to a temperature of 200 C.-1400 C., wherein the heating forms a metal oxide and at least one carbon source compound, wherein the metallocene catalyzes the formation of carbon nanotubes from the at least one carbon source compound and the metal oxide is incorporated into or on a surface of the carbon nanotubes to form the metal oxide impregnated carbon nanotubes.

An anode material includes a silicon composite substrate. In the X-ray diffraction pattern of the anode material, the highest intensity at 2 within the range of 28.0 to 29.0 is I.sub.2, and the highest intensity at 2 within the range of 20.5 to 21.5 is I.sub.1, wherein 0<I.sub.2/I.sub.11. The anode material has good cycle performance, and the battery prepared with the anode material has better rate performance and a lower swelling rate.

An anode material includes a silicon composite substrate. In the X-ray diffraction pattern of the anode material, the highest intensity at 2 within the range of 28.0 to 29.0 is I.sub.2, and the highest intensity at 2 within the range of 20.5 to 21.5 is I.sub.1, wherein 0<I.sub.2/I.sub.11. The anode material has good cycle performance, and the battery prepared with the anode material has better rate performance and a lower swelling rate.