With the emergence of the new energy field, the demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and green energy storage devices is growing with each passing day. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit tremendous potential in application due to superior electrical and mechanical properties, and the excellent lithium insertion properties make it possible to be LIBs anode materials. Based on the lithium insertion mechanism of CNTs, this paper systematically and categorically reviewed the design strategies of CNTs-based composites as LIBs anode materials, and summarized in detail the enhancement effect of CNTs fillers on various anode materials. More importantly, the superiorities and limitations of various anode materials for LIBs were evaluated. Finally, the research direction and current challenges of the industrial application of CNTs in LIBs were prospected.

Research progress of carbon nanotubes as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries: a mini review
    Abstract
        Graphical abstract:
    1 Introduction
    2 Li+ storage mechanism of CNTs
    3 Application of CNTs in the anodes of LIBs
        3.1 CNTsnovel carbon composites
        3.2 CNTsLTO composites
        3.3 CNTsTMOs composites
        3.4 CNTsSi-based composites
        3.5 CNTsSn-based composites
        3.6 CNTsGe-based composites
    4 Mechanism analysis
    5 Conclusion and prospect
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• Da Zhang(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China)
• Tiejian Yuan(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China)
• Haiqin Zhang(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China)
• Song Shi(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China)
• Xinyue Wang(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China)
• Ruixin Ding(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China)
• Yan He(College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266061, China)