Silver-coated TiO2 nanostructured anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Anatase TiO2 nanoribbons/nanotubes (TiO2-NRTs) have been synthesised successfully via a reflux method followed by drying in a vacuum oven, and then, silver-coated TiO2 NRTs (Ag/TiO2-NRTs) were prepared by coating silver particles onto the TiO2-NRTs surface by the traditional silver mirror reaction. The physical properties of the synthesised products were examined in detail using X-ray diffraction, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results indicated that the Ag nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the surface of the TiO2 nanoribbons/nanotubes. The electrochemical properties were investigated by a variety of techniques. The rate capability and cycle durability for the Ag/TiO2-NRTs were improved compared with TiO2-NRTs. It is speculated that the Ag-coated TiO2 nanoribbons/nanotubes are an effective anode candidate for lithium ion batteries.