Synthesis of nanoparticles-deposited double-walled TiO₂-B nanotubes with enhanced performance for lithium-ion batteries.

A one-step hydrothermal method, followed by calcination at 300 °C in an argon atmosphere, has been developed to synthesize TiO2-B nanoparticles/double-walled nanotubes (NP/DWNT) and TiO2-B nanoparticles/multiple-walled nanotubes (NP/MWNT). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first synthesis of TiO2-B NP/NT hierarchical structures. Both NP/DWNT and NP/MWNT show high performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, superior to their counterparts of DWNT and MWNT, respectively. Among all the four materials studied herein, NP/DWNT demonstrates the highest discharge-charge capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. The enhancement due to the NP loading results from the increased surface areas, the improved kinetics, and the decreased transport distance for both electrons and Li ions. The charge capacity at high rates lies in the intercalation pseudocapacitance originating from fast Li-ion transport through the infinite channels in TiO2-B. The superiority of DWNT materials versus MWNT materials is ascribed to the thinner walls, which provide a shorter distance for Li-ion transport through the radial direction.