TiO2 nanotubes wrapped with reduced graphene oxide as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Through electrostatic interaction and high-temperature reduction methods, rGO was closely coated onto the surface of TiO2 nanotubes. Even at a high temperature of 700 °C, the nanotube morphology of TiO2 (anatase) was preserved because of the assistance of rGO, which provides a framework that prevents the tubes from breaking into particles and undergoing a phase transformation. The rGO/TiO2 nanotubes deliver a high capacity (263 mAh g-1 at the end of 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1), excellent rate performance (151 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 and 102 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1), and good cycle stability (206 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1). These characteristics arise from the GO/TiO2 nanotubes' advanced structure. First, the closely coated rGO and Ti3+ in the tubes give rise to a high electro-conductivity of the nanotubes. Additionally, the Li+ ions can rapidly transfer into the electrode via the nanotubes' empty inner diameter and short tube wall.