Electrochemical characterization of titanium oxide nanotubes

To evaluate the possibility of using nanosized TiO2 to replace the carbonaceous materials usually employed as the negative electrode of lithium-ion batteries, we studied and compared the electrochemical performance of TiO2 nanotubes with a commercial material (P25 Degussa). TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by electrochemical anodization of titanium sheets. The nanotubes were characterized by using SEM and XRD. Composite electrode tapes were made by roll milling the TiO2 nanotubes and the TiO2 P25 Degussa with carbon and Teflon. The electrodes were electrochemical characterized in lithium cell by charge/discharge cycles. The electrochemical tests comprised low rate cycling, cycling at C/rate and cycling at different rates.