Mesoporous CNT@TiO(2)-C Nanocable with Extremely Durable High Rate Capability for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

A well-designed nanostructure CNT@TiO(2)-C with fine anatase TiO(2) particle (< 8 nm), good electronic conducting network (inner CNT core and outer carbon layer), and mesoporous structure was prepared by a simple and green one-pot hydrothermal reaction. The utilization of glucose in the hydrothermal process not only solves the interfacial incompatibility between CNTs and titanate sol and controls the nucleation and growth of TiO(2) particles, but also introduces a uniform, glucose-derived, carbon-layer on the TiO(2) particles. The nanosized TiO(2) particle, high conducting network, and interconnected nanopores of the CNT@TiO(2)-C nanocable greatly improve its electrochemical performances, especially rate capability. The CNT@TiO(2)-C nanocables show remarkable rate capability with reversible charge capacity of 297, 240, 210,178 and 127 mAh g(−1) at 1C, 5C, 10C, 20C and 50C, respectively, as well as excellent high rate cycling stability with capacity retention of 87% after 2000 cycles at 50C.