Scalable synthesis of TiO2 crystallites embedded in bread-derived carbon matrix with enhanced lithium storage performance

TiO2/carbon (C/TiO2) composites have been synthesized via an in-situ pyrolysis method using bread as carbon source and investigated as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. As a cheap and common staple food with a sponge-like structure, bread contains a certain amount of moisture, enabling the hydrolysis of tetrabutyl orthotitanate. It is characterized that TiO2 nanocrystallites are embedded in bread-derived carbon matrix, and their synergetic effect on improving electrochemical properties is demonstrated as well. Partially surface lithium storage of ultrasmall TiO2 particles is credited to the unique embedment structure. Meanwhile, the carbon species are of importance in enhancing reversible capacities and accelerating interfacial charge transfer. It delivers a reversible capacity of 231 mAh g−1 at a specific current of 100 mA g−1 after 200 cycles for the resultant C/TiO2 composite with 38.8 wt.% carbon. This work presents a facile strategy toward scalable and eco-friendly preparation of metal oxides compositing with carbonaceous materials.