TiO2-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites by microwave-assisted forced hydrolysis as excellent insertion anode for Li-ion battery and capacitor

TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite (TiO2-rGO) is fabricated by microwave-assisted forced hydrolysis and examined as prospective electrode for energy storage applications, especially in Li-ion battery (LIB) and Li-ion capacitor (LIC). First, the uniformly distributed nanoscopic TiO2 particulates (similar to 3 nm) over rGO nanosheets is evaluated as anode in half-cell assembly to ascertain the Li-insertion behavior and found that similar to 0.68 mol Li (similar to 227 mAh g(-1)) is reversible. Then, rocking-chair type LIB is fabricated with spinel LiMn2O4 cathode, and the LiMn2O4/TiO2-rGO assembly exhibits high capacity (similar to 120 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C rate), good rate capability (similar to 53 mAh g(-1) at 1 C rate), and excellent cycleability (similar to 90% initial reversible capacity after 1000 cycle) as well. Similarly, the LIC is also constructed with activated carbon cathode, and such configuration delivered a maximum energy density of similar to 50 Wh kg(-1) with -82% retention after 4000 cycles. The synergistic effect of both rGO and anatase nanoparticles provides excellent energy efficiency and battery performance in different kind of Li-ion based energy storage devices. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.