TiO2-B nanosheets/anatase nanocrystals co-anchored on nanoporous graphene: in situ reduction-hydrolysis synthesis and their superior rate performance as an anode material

A unique hybrid, TiO2-B nanosheets/anatase nanocrystals co-anchored on nanoporous graphene sheets, can be synthesized by a facile microwave-induced in situ reduction-hydrolysis route. The as-formed nanohybrid has a hierarchically porous structure, involving both mesopores of approximately 4 nm and meso-/macropores of 30-60 nm in the graphene sheets, and a large surface area. Importantly, electrodes composed of the nanohybrid exhibit superior rate capability (160 mA h g(-1) at ca. 36 C; 154 mA h g(-1) at ca. 72 C) and excellent cyclability. The synergistic effects of conductive graphene with numerous nanopores and the pseudocapacitive effect of ultrafine TiO2-B nanosheets and anatase nanocrystals endow the hybrid a superior rate capability.