A stable TiO(2)–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 TiO(2) nanoparticles were grown in situ on the nanosheets to obtain the nanocomposite material. The morphology of the nanocomposite obtained consisted of TiO(2) particles with a size of ∼100 nm, uniformly distributed on the reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. The as-prepared TiO(2)–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 TiO(2)–rGO nanocomposites are promising electrode materials for future Li-ion batteries.