Electrochemical performance of TiO₂/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite prepared by an in situ route for Li-ion batteries

A TiO2/carbon nanotubes (TiO2/CNTs) composite was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition method with in situ growth of CNTs using hydrothermally treated TiO2as the starting material. The nanocomposite was characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrum, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and was investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The underlying mechanism for the improvement was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The in situ synthesized composite showed better electrochemical performance than the pristine TiO2. The in situ formed CNTs not only supply an efficient conductive network but also keep the structural stability of the TiO2particles, leading to improved electrochemical performance.