Preparation and electrochemical characterization of TiO2 nanowires as an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries

Anatase TiO2 nanowires containing minor TiO2(B) phase were prepared by a hydrothermal chemical reaction followed by the post-heat treatment at 400 °C. The phase structure and morphology were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, transmission electron microscope, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties were investigated by employing constant current discharge–charge test, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance techniques. These nanowires exhibited high rate capacity of 280 mAh g−1 even after 40 cycles, and the coulombic efficiency was approximately 98%, indicating excellent cycling stability and reversibility. The electrochemical impedance spectra showed a stable kinetic process of the electrode reaction. These results indicated that the TiO2 nanowires have promising application for high energy density lithium-ion batteries.