Enhanced conductivity and electrochemical performance of conformal mesoporous N/C co-decorated TiO2-RGO composites for lithium ion batteries

Conformal N/C co-decorated Titamum dioxide/reduced graphene oxide (NCTG) have been successfully synthesized through one-pot solvothermal process followed by the thermal nitriding treatment. After annealing of the Ti-complex/RGO hybrid nanocomposite in an NH3 gas flow, the TiO2 and RGO was effectively nitridated and the uniform mesoporous N-doped Carbon layer was decorated with the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles in order to further fortify the electronic conductivity of the nanocomposite. The results of our study demonstrate that NCTG exhibits higher rate capability and cycling performance. Remarkably, NCTG electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 164 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 800 mA g−1, which is much higher than those of carbon decorated Titamum dioxide/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (HTCG) and carbon decorated TiO2 nanoflakes (TC). Moreover, a high capacity of 115 mAh g−1 can be retained at a high current density of 3000 mA g−1. Considering its simplicity and effectiveness, this strategy might be extended to other anode materials for enhanced lithium storage capability.