Tailoring of phase composition and morphology of TiO2-based electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Titanium dioxide mixed phases containing TiO2(b) and anatase phase in different ratios were prepared via a facile, template free, low temperature hydrothermal synthesis. Morphology and phase composition were tuned by adequately adjusting the main synthesis parameters, i.e., temperature, powder/liquid ratio and basicity of the mother solution. The effect of different phase compositions on the lithium insertion and de-insertion properties was tested by electrochemical cycling at increasing cycling rates. Results indicate a superiority of monoclinic TiO2(b) phase over the tetragonal anatase phase especially at elevated cycling rates. Further analysis shows that internal resistance is one of the major limitations for electrochemical cycling of anatase.

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► Wide range of morphology and phase composition by adjusting two synthesis parameters.
► Tailoring of phase composition by adjusting alkalinity of hydrothermal synthesis.
► Tailoring of morphology in hydrothermal synthesis by adjusting powder concentration.
► Monoclinic TiO2(b) phase shows higher rate capability than anatase phase.
► Higher internal resistance of anatase compared to TiO2(b) is detected.