1D Ti-based H2Ti12O25 nanorod @2D RGO sheet composite as high-power anode for long-life Li-ion battery

Highlights: • H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅ nanorods bonded on the reduced graphene oxide are synthesized by in-situ structure transformation. • Partial Ti atoms interacted with RGO in H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅ will form Ti-O-RGO groups, based on the quantum computation. • Rate-capacity performance and reversible capacity of H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅ are improved. -- Abstract: The increasing incompatibility for LIBs between high-rate capability and high specific capacity, except for its energy density, stimulates the research of new electrode materials. In order to obtain the superior power properties of LIBs, seeking new anode materials with the above merits is vital. Herein, a new 1D Ti-based H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅ nanorod @2D RGO (reduced graphene oxide) sheet (H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅/RGO) composite structure is designed as high-power anode for long-life li-ion battery, which can achieve high-capacity, and high-rate property at the same time. H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅ nanorods, bonded on RGO flakes, is synthesized by mean of in-situ structure transformation during solvothermal/hydrothermal reaction processes. To be specific, except for the safety performance, the H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅/RGO electrode unfolds an exceptionally better rate-capacity performance, namely, high reversible capacity up to 260 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 C and 123, 114 and 101 mA h g⁻¹ at high rate of 20 C, 30 C and 50 C, respectively. Importantly, the 750th discharge capacity still could be maintained at 105.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 30 C. The outstanding properties can be ascribed to the synergistic interaction between H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅ nanorod and RGO sheets and its multi-dimensional composite structure which makes the faster electronic and ionic conductivity of 1D-H₂Ti₁₂O₂₅@2D-RGO achieved.