Atomic layer deposition derived amorphous TiO2 thin film decorating graphene nanosheets with superior rate capability.

Composites consisting of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) decorated with amorphous TiO 2 thin films were synthesized by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. It was revealed that the TiO 2 thin films were uniformly deposited onto the worm-like GNSs. When used as anode materials in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the TiO 2 –GNS composites deliver a stable capacity of ~ 140 mAh g − 1 after 100 cycles at a specific current of 100 mA g − 1 as well as superior rate capability, accounting for a sustainable 95 mAh g − 1 capacity at a specific current of 1200 mA g − 1 . It is believed that the remarkable electrochemical performance lied in the unique features of the composites, i.e., the amorphous nature of the TiO 2 films and the large surface area of GNSs. The former rendered short Li + diffusion pathways in TiO 2 thin film, while the latter offered excellent electronic conductivity as well as a large intimate contact area between the electrolyte and TiO 2 . This work laid a venue for designing new electrodes for high-performance LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]