Highly uniform TiO2/SnO2/carbon hybrid nanofibers with greatly enhanced lithium storage performance

Abstract

Highly uniform, relatively large area TiO₂/SnO₂/carbon hybrid nanofibers were synthesized by a simple method based on thermal pyrolysis and oxidation of an as-spun titanium–tin/polyacrylonitrile nanoweb composite in an argon atmosphere. This novel composite features the uniform dispersion and encapsulation of highly uniform nanoscale TiO₂/SnO₂ crystals in a porous carbon matrix. The high porosity of the nanofiber composite material, together with the conductive carbon matrix, enhanced the electrochemical performance of the TiO₂/SnO₂/carbon nanofiber electrode. The TiO₂/SnO₂/carbon nanofiber electrode displays a reversible capacity of 442.8 mA h g⁻¹ for up to 100 cycles, and exhibits excellent rate capability. The results indicate that the composite could be a promising anode candidate for lithium ion batteries.