Electrochemical evaluation of rutile TiO2 nanoparticles as negative electrode for Li-ion batteries

Nanosized rutile TiO2 has been prepared by sol–gel chemistry from a glycerol-modified titanium precursor in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The sample has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electrochemical tests. Nanosized rutile TiO2 has been electrochemically investigated using two potential windows: 1.2–3 V and 1–3 V. It exhibits excellent high rates capabilities and good cycling stability.