A stable TiO₂-graphene nanocomposite anode with high rate capability for lithium-ion batteries

A rapid microwave hydrothermal process is adopted for the synthesis of titanium dioxide and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries. With the assistance of hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent, graphene oxide was reduced while TiO₂ nanoparticles were grown in situ on the nanosheets to obtain the nanocomposite material. The morphology of the nanocomposite obtained consisted of TiO₂ particles with a size of ∼100 nm, uniformly distributed on the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. The as-prepared TiO₂-graphene nanocomposite was able to deliver a capacity of 250 mA h g^-1 ± 5% at 0.2C for more than 200 cycles with remarkably stable cycle life during the Li⁺ insertion/extraction process. In terms of high rate capability performance, the nanocomposite delivered discharge capacity of ca. 100 mA h g^-1 with >99% coulombic efficiency at C-rates of up to 20C. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the material in terms of high rate capability and cycling stability indicates that the as-developed TiO₂-rGO nanocomposites are promising electrode materials for future Li-ion batteries.