Preparation of graphene/TiO2 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries by a novel precipitation method

This paper reports a large-scale production route for graphene/TiO2 nanocomposites using water-based in situ precipitation method. In this method, freshly prepared graphene oxides/TiO2 obtained by precipitating Ti(SO4)2 with NH3H2O was subjected to heat treatment in the presence of N2, which resulted in the formation of graphene/TiO2 nanocomposites. Graphene/TiO2 composites prepared by our method were found to be suitable as anode materials for lithium ion batteries because of its stable cycling performance and high capacity.

Graphical abstractLarge-scale preparation of graphene/TiO2 composites was carried out by precipitation method using graphene oxide nanosheet, Ti(SO4)2 and NH3H2O as starting materials.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We use cheap graphene oxides, Ti(SO4)2 and NH3H2O as starting materials for preparation of graphene/TiO2 composites. ► The reversible capacity and the cycling stability of the TiO2 are improved by graphene additive. ► Shorter diffusion length and a larger contact area of graphene/TiO2 result in excellent electrochemical performance.