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With the aim of enhancing the electrochemical kinetics and capacity of the TiO2 electrode for Na ion batteries (NIBs), we have designed a hybrid material of carbon-coated TiO2 mesocrystals anchored on reduced graphene oxide (TiO2@C-rGO). Such hybrid nanostructures are fabricated through a facile one-step route including in situ growth of oriented self-assembly of TiO2 mesocrystals on GO. TiO2@C-rGO possesses a very large surface area (279 m2 g–1), mesoporous nature, and single-crystal-like structure. It is also found that the capacity of TiO2 electrode for NIBs could be improved by carbon coating at a low current rate, but pure TiO2 shows better rate performance than that of TiO2@C. Remarkably, the enhanced electrochemical kinetics and large capacity can be simultaneously achieved by designing hybrid material. The hybrid nanostructures exhibit a highly reversible capacity of 300 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1, superior rate capability, and long-term cycling stability (a stable capacity of 159 mAh g–1 can be mainta...

A high degree of control over thickness, size, structure, and symmetry of two-dimensional layered materials is essential to tune their chemical and physical properties for applications. Here, we report screw dislocation-driven growth of layered spiral-type SnSe nanoplates with atomically thin helical periodicity for the first time. The spirals are composed of a few connected SnSe layers with decreasing areas; each basal plane has a rectangular shape and spirals up layer by layer to the summit center. The unique structure and growth mode were further confirmed to include herringbone contours, spiral arms, and hollow cores. In addition, the growth mode can be tuned from screw dislocation-driven growth to layer-by-layer growth by manipulating the precursor concentration. The results shown here may provide valuable guidance for the design and growth of unique nanostructures in SnSe or even other two-dimensional layered materials and promote their applications.