Core-shell SnO2@TiO2-B nanowires as the anode of lithium ion battery with high capacity and rate capability

Core-shell SnO2@TiO2-B nanowires are synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal route. SnO2 nanoparticles are uniformly coated on the whole surface of TiO2-B nanowires. As the anode of lithium ion batteries, core-shell SnO2@TiO2-B nanowires exhibit high lithium storage capacity and superior rate capability. The reversible capacity is ~1160 mAh g−1 at C/5 rate (5 h per charging cycle) and the retention is 790 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles. At the rate of 2C, the capacity can be maintained at 556 mAh g−1. Such a good lithium storage performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between SnO2 and TiO2-B nanostructures.