Synthesis and Characterization of Tin Titanate Nanotubes: Precursors for Nanoparticulate Sn‐Doped TiO2 Anodes with Synergistically Improved Electrochemical Performance

The synthesis of tin–titanate nanotubes (Sn‐titanate) by reacting hydrogen titanate (H‐titanate) with a tin salt through ion adsorption–incorporation is reported. The interactions between tin(II) ions and H‐titanate are thoroughly investigated. Tin ions can be easily adsorbed by H‐titanate, owing to its large surface area and lattice spacing, and the negatively charged layered structures. With Sn‐titanate nanotubes as precursors, Sn‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles are prepared by annealing and are investigated as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries, which show much enhanced capacity and rate capability. Such improved electrochemical properties of Sn‐doped TiO2 benefit from structural characteristics such as the small size of the constituent nanoparticles, high crystallinity, and uniform tin doping. This synthetic strategy towards Sn‐doped TiO2 anode materials, thus offers the synergistic effect of combining the advantages of TiO2 (cycle life and rate) and SnO2 (high capacity). Best of both worlds: The synthesis of tin–titanate nanotubes by reacting hydrogen titanate with a tin salt through ion adsorption–incorporation is reported. This synthetic strategy towards Sn‐doped TiO2 anode materials offers the synergistic effect of combining the advantages of TiO2 (cycle life and rate) and SnO2 (high capacity; see picture).