Binder-free combination of graphene nanosheets with TiO2 nanotube arrays for lithium ion battery anode

Binder-free combination of graphene nanosheets with oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays was designed and achieved via one-step facile electrodeposition. The structure and morphology of as-prepared composite graphene nanosheets/TiO2 nanotube arrays were studied in terms of SEM, FESEM, EDX, TEM, Raman and FTIR. Furthermore, the corresponding electrochemical performances were evaluated in terms of galvanostatic charge/discharge, cycle stability and AC impedance. As expected, the composite graphene nanosheets/TiO2 nanotube arrays displayed higher discharge capacity, cycle stability and Li+ diffusion coefficient than bare TiO2 nanotube arrays. High Li-storage activity, superior conductivity and large surface area of graphene nanosheets should be responsible for improved electrochemical performances.