Chitosan-Assisted Assembly of Sub-10 nm Nanocrystals into Mesoporous TiO2 Fibers with High-Aspect-Ratio for Improved Lithium-Ion Storage

Herein, we report a simple base-free hydrothermal route for the synthesis of mesoporous TiO 2 fibers by using chitosan as direct agent. This hierarchical structure combines advantages of mesopores constructed by interconnected sub-10   nm nanocrystals on nanoscale and 1D structure with large aspect ratio on micron-scale, which is desired structural characteristic needed for the high-performance anode materials. Benefiting from such unique structural features, it demonstrates superior high charge/discharge capability, good cycling stability and rate capability when used as lithium-ion batteries electrode. For example, it can deliver a capacity of 174   mA   h   g −1 at 0.5C and 137   mA   h   g −1 at 5C after 100 cycles.