Core–shell SnO2@TiO2–B nanowires as the anode of lithium ion battery with high capacity and rate capability

Abstract Core–shell SnO 2 @TiO 2 –B nanowires are synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal route. SnO 2 nanoparticles are uniformly coated on the whole surface of TiO 2 –B nanowires. As the anode of lithium ion batteries, core–shell SnO 2 @TiO 2 –B nanowires exhibit high lithium storage capacity and superior rate capability. The reversible capacity is ~1160 mAh g −1 at C/5 rate (5 h per charging cycle) and the retention is 790 mAh g −1 after 30 cycles. At the rate of 2C, the capacity can be maintained at 556 mAh g −1 . Such a good lithium storage performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between SnO 2 and TiO 2 –B nanostructures.