Hierarchical tubular structures constructed from ultrathin TiO2(B) nanosheets for highly reversible lithium storage

Hierarchical tubular structures constructed from TiO2(B) nanosheets were fabricated by an efficient Cu nanowire templated solvothermal method. A dense layer of TiO2(B) nanosheets was grown on the Cu nanowires during the initial stage of the reaction. The Cu nanowires were then gradually dissolved during the later stage of the prolonged reaction. The as-obtained TiO2(B) hierarchical tubes showed a large surface area and good shell permeability. When evaluated for electro-chemical lithium storage properties, these TiO2(B) hierarchical tubular structures showed a high specific capacity, excellent rate performance and long-term cycling stability.