TiNb<inf>2</inf>O<inf>7</inf>-Keratin derived carbon nanocomposites as novel anode materials for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries

TiNb2O7/carbon nanocomposites synthesized through a simple, surfactant assisted precursor route is reported as a promising alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The carbon component of the nanocomposites is derived from an inexpensive and sustainable keratin rich biological source. The reinforcement of carbon in TiNb2O7 facilitated the formation of non-stoichiometric (Ti0.712Nb0.288)O2 crystalline phase, in addition to the stoichiometric TiNb2O7 phase. It also yielded a high specific surface area (~90 ​m2 ​g−1) and reduced crystallite size (~4 ​nm). Electrochemical results exemplified high reversible capacity of 356 mAh g−1 at 0.1 ​C and remarkable rate capability of ~26 mAh g−1 at ultra-high current rate of 32C. TiNb2O7/carbon nanocomposites also demonstrated remarkable cyclic stability with large capacity retention of 85% even after 50 cycles at 1 ​C. The experimental data attests the potential of TiNb2O7/keratin derived carbon nanocomposites as economically and environmentally viable promising anode material for LIBs.