TiO2–B nanowires as negative electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

Abstract TiO2–B nanowires (20–40 nm diameter) may be prepared in high yield by a simple synthetic procedure. Lithium may be intercalated up to Li0.91TiO2–B corresponding to a capacity of 305 mAh g−1 and at a potential of 1.6 V versus Li+ (1 M)/Li. This can be compared with 160 mAh g−1 for Li4Ti5O12 and 165 mAh g−1 for TiO2-anatase. Following a small irreversible capacity on the first cycle, capacity retention is excellent corresponding to a fade of