Flower-like TiO and TiO@C composites prepared a one-pot solvothermal method as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries: higher capacity and excellent cycling stability.

TiO is a promising and safe anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, its inferior electronic conductivity and inferior cycling capability have always limited its practical application. In this study, flower-like TiO and TiO@C composites are produced by a simple one-pot solvothermal method. It is noticeable that the synthesis of TiO is carried out simultaneously with carbon coating. The flower-like TiO with a special morphology can decrease the distance of lithium ion diffusion, while the carbon coating improves the electronic conductivity of TiO. At the same time, the carbon content of TiO@C composites can be controlled by adjusting the amount of glucose. Compared with flower-like TiO, TiO@C composites have higher specific capacity and preferable cycling performance. It is noteworthy that the specific surface area of TiO@C with a carbon content of 63.36% is 293.94 m g and its capacity remains at 371.86 mAh g after 1000 cycles at 1 A g. Other anode materials can also be prepared using this strategy.