TiNb2O7 nanorods as a novel anode material for secondary lithium-ion batteries

TiNb 2 O 7 nanorods have been successfully fabricated by a sol–gel method with a sodium dodecyl surfate (SDS) surfactant. X-ray diffraction indicates that the TiNb 2 O 7 nanorods have a Ti 2 Nb[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]-type crystal structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show that the nanorods have an average diameter of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]100[Formula: see text]nm and an average length of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]300[Formula: see text]nm. As a result of such nanosizing effect, this new material exhibits advanced electrochemical performances in terms of specific capacity, rate capability and cyclic stability. At 0.1[Formula: see text]C, it delivers a large first-cycle discharge/charge capacity of 337/279 mAh g[Formula: see text]. Its capacities remain 248, 233, 214, 182, 154 and 122[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20[Formula: see text]C, respectively. After 100 cycles, its capacity at 10[Formula: see text]C remains 140[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] with large capacity retention of 91.0%.