sluggish solid-state ion diffusion along the principal axis perpendicular to the basal plane, which makes LIBs inapplicable for high energy and power-demanding applications. [5] In order to overcome the low capacity of graphite, various transition metal oxides have been investigated due to their higher theoretical capacities, achieved via a conversion mechanism. However, the practical application of transition metal oxides in high energy LIBs is hindered by the poor cycling stability and rate capability of these oxides, which are respectively associated with the large volume changes that occur during the charge/discharge cycling and the low electronic conductivity. [6] Various carbonaceous materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphenes, porous carbon, hollow nanospheres, carbon capsules, graphene nanoribbons, and graphene nanosheets, have been used to resolve the aforementioned problems in the form of nanocomposites or hybrids due to their large surface area and extraordinary electronic and mechanical properties. [7][8][9][10][11][12] In particular, numerous approaches have been made to develop CNT/ metal oxide composites; [7] however, satisfactory performance has not yet been achieved. This is mainly due to the aggregation and bundling of the CNTs, arising from strong van der Waals and π-π interactions, which leads to loss of the available surface area and higher Li + ion diffusion resistance. The synergistic combination of a 3D architecture with heterocomposition may provide a large accessible area, alleviate the volume expansion, and create short solid-state diffusion pathways, resulting in the enhanced rate and cyclic capabilities. [13] Nonetheless, the strong attachment of the active materials onto the carbon supports and the proximate contact need to be achieved to exploit the synergistic advantages of both components. [14] Biomimetic design inspired by nature's structures and functions is of prime importance for resolving the existing technological challenges. Such biomimetic approaches have been employed to resolve issues related to the performances of energy storage devices and materials, which are otherwise difficult to overcome with conventional artificial methodologies. For instance, Liu and co-workers mimicked the structural design of the Gecko's foot to improve the adhesion between a copperbased current collector and graphitic anode material, thereby achieving a dramatic increase of the LIB lifespan. [15] Moreover, It is crucial to control the structure and composition of composite anode materials to enhance the cell performance of such anode materials for lithium ion batteries. Herein, a biomimetic strategy is demonstrated for the design of high performance anode materials, inspired by the structural characteristics and working principles of sticky spider-webs. Hierarchically porous, sticky, spider-web-like multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) networks are prepared through a process involving ozonation, ice-templating assembly, and thermal treatment, thereby integrating the networks with γ-Fe 2...
