Design and Tailoring of a Three-Dimensional TiO₂–Graphene–Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite for Fast Lithium Storage

Abstract

Nanocrystalline TiO 2 grown on conducting graphene nanosheets (GNS) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a solution-based method to form a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structure for fast lithium storage. CNTs in the unique hybrid nanostructure not only prevent the restacking of GNS to increase the basal spacing between graphene sheets but also provides an additional electron-transport path besides the graphene layer underneath of TiO 2 nanomaterials, increasing the electrolyte/electrode contact area and facilitating transportation of the electrolyte ion and electron into the inner region of the electrode. Such a 3D TiO 2 –GNS–CNT nanocomposite had a large specific surface area of 291.2 m 2 g –1 and exhibited ultrahigh rate capability and good cycling properties at high rates.