Single-crystalline rutile TiO2 nanowires for improved lithium ion intercalation properties

► TiO2 nanowires for lithium ion batteries were synthesized by hydrothermal process without any surfactant and template. ► The single-crystalline nature of rutile TiO2-NWs grown along the [001] direction was clearly observed. ► The single-crystalline rutile TiO2-NWs showed improved charge capacity and high-rate performance.