Nanoporous anatase TiO2/single-wall carbon nanohorns composite as superior anode for lithium ion batteries

A novel composite of single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) supported nanoporous anatase TiO2, TiO2/SWCNHs, is facilely synthesized by hydrolysis of tetrabutoxytitanium in the presence of SWCNHs. The phase structure, morphology, and pore structure of TiO2/SWCNHs are investigated with transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and the nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms measurements. The TiO2/SWCNHs composite materials show excellent electrochemical properties, and are expected to be a promising anode material for high power density lithium ion batteries. It is found that the TiO2/SWCNHs composite not only exhibits excellent cycling performance, but also shows high rate capability as anode materials by the cyclic voltammetry and constant current discharge charge tests. Especially, the specific charge capacity of the TiO2/SWCNHs composite remains as high as 100 mAh g(-1) at a high rate of 30 C, which is four times higher than that of pure TiO2 anode materials. The SWCNHs with high rate production in low cost have hopeful application to electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.