Self-assembled twine-like Na2Ti3O7 nanostructure as advanced anode for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted growing interest due to their cost-effectiveness compared with lithium-ion batteries counterparts. Exploring anode materials with outstanding performance is a persistent objective with the development of SIBs. Herein, we report a compound of Na2Ti3O7 with twine-like three-dimension (3D) network framework synthesized via a facile stirring hydrothermal method. The resulting material has a unique structure with elongated one-dimensional nanotubes, ultrathin tube wall, large surface area, numerous -OH group as well as twine-like winding body. The cell assembled with Na2Ti3O7 as anode active material manifests excellent cycling performance (77% capacity is retented after 1000 cycles at 10 C) and superior rate capability (80 mA h g(-1) is kept even at ultra-high current rate of 50 C). The special structure endows the material with superior electrochemical properties and great potential application in SIBs. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.