Ultrathin single-crystalline TiO₂nanosheets anchored on graphene to be hybrid network for high-rate and long cycle-life sodium battery electrode application

In view of the growing concern about energy management issues, sodium ion batteries (SIBs) as cheap and environmentally friendly devices have increasingly received wide research attentions. The high current rate and long cycle-life of SIBs are considered as two key parameters determining its potential for practical applications. In this work, the rigid single-crystalline anatase TiO₂nanosheets (NSs) with a thickness of ∼4 nm has been firstly prepared, based on which a stable nanostructured network consisting of ultrathin anatase TiO₂NSs homogeneously anchored on graphene through chemical bonding (TiO₂NSs-G) has fabricated by hydrothermal process and subsequent calcination treatment. The morphology, crystallization, chemical compositions and the intimate maximum contact between TiO₂NSs and graphene are confirmed by TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS and Raman characterizations. The results of electrochemical performance tests indicated that the TiO₂NSs-G hybrid network could be consider as a promising anode material for SIBs, in assessment of its remarkably high current rate and long cycle-life aside from the improved specific capacity, rate capability and cycle stability.