Conformal N-doped carbon on nanoporous TiO2 spheres as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Conformal N-doped carbon (NC) on nanoporous TiO2 spheres has been successfully synthesized via a facile solution-phase process and subsequent heat treatment. The highly conductive and uniform NC layer coated on the surface of nanoporous TiO2 spheres facilitates lithium ion diffusion and electronic transport. The resulting TiO2@NC nanohybrid not only delivers a high capacity of similar to 170 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 0.1 A g(-1), but also exhibits excellent rate capability (similar to 102 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 2.0 A g(-1)). The as-formed porous TiO2@NC electrode is promising for secondary battery applications with high power and energy densities.