A novel method to synthesize anatase TiO2 nanowires as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

We demonstrate a simple and novel approach for the synthesis of a kind of anatase TiO2 nanowires. The method is based on a hydrothermal method under normal atmosphere without using the complex Teflon-lined autoclave, high concentrations NaOH solution and long react time. The as-prepared materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical measurements. The obtained anatase TiO2 nanowires show excellent performance. There is a potential plateau at 1.77 and 1.88 V in the process of Li insertion and extraction, and the initial Li insertion/extraction capacities are 283 and 236 mAh g(-1) at the density of 20 mA g(-1). respectively. In the 20th cycle, the reversible capacities still remain about 216 and 159 mAh g(-1) at the current densities of 20 and 200 mAg(-1), respectively, and the coulombic efficiency is more than 98%, exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.