TiO ₂ Hollow Nanocrystals/Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite and Their Application in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which were treated by concentrated HNO 3 were designed by a facile one‐step hydrothermal method without the template. Acidified multi‐walled CNTs, as well as TiO 2 @CNTs nanocomposites, were synthesized via one‐step hydrothermal method. Then the 3D network structures were generated by the in situ growth of nanoparticles of TiO 2 hollow sphere on CNTs. This structure is beneficial to the electron transportation and storage of lithium ions. The unique hollow structure of TiO 2 and their composite in different active sites of CNTs formed 3D network morphology. This 3D network structure could improve the contact area between electrolyte and electrode, and accelerate the interior diffusion of lithium ions into the electrode. In the end, these advantages could enhance the overall electrochemical properties of nanocomposite materials. Compared to pure TiO 2 , the electrode of TiO 2 @CNTs nanocomposite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance and structural stability.