In situ synthesis of TiO2–graphene nanosheets composites as anode materials for high-power lithium ion batteries

TiO2–graphene nanosheets (GNS) composites are prepared via an in situ chemical synthesis method, which enables a homogenous dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles on the graphene nanosheets. The obtained TiO2–GNS composites are anatase-GNS, while TiO2 is nanosized rutile without the incorporation of GNS. The resulting TiO2–GNS composites are employed as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, showing a high initial reversible capacity of 306 mAh g−1 as well as a good cycling stability. The TiO2–GNS composites can deliver 60 mAh g−1 at a current rate as high as 5 A g−1 and demonstrate negligible fade even after 400 cycles. The superior electrochemical performances of the TiO2–GNS composites can be attributed to their unique structures, which intimately combine the conductive graphene nanosheets network with uniformly dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiO2–GNS composites could be promising candidate materials for high-power, low-cost, and environmentally friendly anodes for lithium ion batteries.