Graphene–TiO2(B) nanowires composite material: Synthesis, characterization and application in lithium-ion batteries

A novel nanostructure graphene–TiO2(B) nanowires composite material was obtained through a green approach by hydrothermal reaction of graphene oxide (GO) hybrid titania gel in 10 M NaOH aqueous solution systems. The GO reducing process was accompanied by generation of TiO2(B) nanowires. Results show that the TiO2(B) to anatase phase transformation temperature was increased and the nanotube to nanowire transformation process accelerated after hybridized with graphene, which revealed the enhancement thermostabilities of the composite material. The prepared composite exhibited high surface area (270 m2/g). Electrochemical analysis indicated that the composite electrode displayed a high initial discharge capacity of 304 mAhg−1 at 30 mAg−1 and a good cyclability with a capacity loss of 7% after 60 cycles at 150 mAg−1. The graphene modified TiO2(B) nanowires composite could improve the electrochemical performance of TiO2(B) for lithium-ion batteries.

► We obtained a novel composite of TiO2(B) nanowires loaded on graphene sheets.
► GO reduction and titanate nanowires formation were achieved simultaneously.
► The composite offers high thermostabilities and a large specific surface area.
► The composite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance as anodes.