Conformal N-doped carbon on nanoporous TiO2 spheres as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Conformal N-doped carbon (NC) on nanoporous TiO₂ spheres has been successfully synthesized via a facile solution-phase process and subsequent heat treatment. The highly conductive and uniform NC layer coated on the surface of nanoporous TiO₂ spheres facilitates lithium ion diffusion and electronic transport. The resulting TiO₂@NC nanohybrid not only delivers a high capacity of ∼170 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹, but also exhibits excellent rate capability (∼102 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 2.0 A g⁻¹). The as-formed porous TiO₂@NC electrode is promising for secondary battery applications with high power and energy densities.