Constructing robust TiO2-V2O5/C nanostructures decorated by multi-walled carbon nanotubes for high performance lithium ion batteries

Well-defined TiO2-V2O5/C nanostructures modified by multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized by a hydrothermal strategy. The ultrasmall nanocrystals were kept intimate contact with multi-walled nanotubes. The large volume variations of the anodes during lithium insertion/extraction are accommodated by nanocrystals resilience as well as internal porosity. Besides, V2O5 contributes to the charge and discharge capacity while itself is electrochemical inactive, which is free from irreversible phase transitions and Li trapping to introduce high reversible stability. High reversible capacities, superior rate capability, and excellent stable ability are synchronously observed. Nanosize engineering, surface modification and composite technique are responsible for the extraordinary electrochemical performances. The fabrication method based earth-rich precursors provides a large-scale synthesis route to synthesize anode materials for lithium ion batteries with superior electrochemical performance.