Hydrothermal synthesis of anatase and brookite nanotubes with superior photocatalytic and Li+ insertion/extraction performances

•Anatase and brookite nanotubes were prepared with facile hydrothermal method.•Both nanotubes show superior photocatalysis in the degradation of AO7.•Both nanotubes show better performance in lithium batteries than that of B-TiO2.•This is the first time for brookite to report a discharge capacity of 372 mAh·g− 1.

Anatase and brookite TiO2 nanotubes were prepared separately with hydrothermal method in aqua media by simply adjusting the electrolyte in the system. Both kinds of nanotubes show superior photoactivity as well as excellent performance in lithium batteries, due to their larger surface areas and the unique structure. It is noted that for brookite, this is the first time that a high discharge capacity of 372 mAh·g− 1 has ever been reported.

Graphical abstractAnatase and brookite TiO2 nanotubes were prepared with hydrothermal method in aqua ammonia media separately. The as-prepared anatase and brookite nanotubes show better performance in lithium batteries.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide