Graham Armstrong

TiO2(B) nanotubes as negative electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

TiO 2 (B) nanotubes were investigated as anodes for rechargeable lithium batteries. They can accommodate up to 338 mAh g -1 of charge, equivalent to Li 1.01 TiO 2 (B) at a potential of ∼1.5 V vs Li + (1 M)/Li. Rate capability is good with a capacity of 95 mAh g -1 at 2000 mA g -1 (21C). Capacity fade is 0.16% per cycle compared with 0.10% for the corresponding nanowires. There is an irreversible capacity loss of 29% on the first cycle but thereafter charge/discharge efficiency is close to 100%.

Nanotubes with the TiO2-B structure

Here we report the first synthesis of TiO2-B nanotubes by a simple hydrothermal route; lithium may be intercalated up to a composition of Li(0.98)TiO2 compared with Li(0.91)TiO2 for the corresponding nanowires.