Flower-like TiO2 and TiO2@C composites prepared via a one-pot solvothermal method as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries: higher capacity and excellent cycling stability

TiO2 is a promising and safe anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, its inferior electronic conductivity and inferior cycling capability have always limited its practical application. In this study, flower-like TiO2 and TiO2@C composites are produced by a simple one-pot solvothermal method. It is noticeable that the synthesis of TiO2 is carried out simultaneously with carbon coating. The flower-like TiO2 with a special morphology can decrease the distance of lithium ion diffusion, while the carbon coating improves the electronic conductivity of TiO2. At the same time, the carbon content of TiO2@C composites can be controlled by adjusting the amount of glucose. Compared with flower-like TiO2, TiO2@C composites have higher specific capacity and preferable cycling performance. It is noteworthy that the specific surface area of TiO2@C with a carbon content of 63.36% is 293.94 m2 g-1 and its capacity remains at 371.86 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g-1. Other anode materials can also be prepared using this strategy.