Low temperature molten salt synthesis of anatase TiO2 and its electrochemical properties

This study investigates the electrochemical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles that were obtained using molten salt method (MSM) synthesis when applied as anodic material for lithium-ion batteries. TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized from 0.62LiNO3:0.38LiOH molten salt at 180 °C for 2 h in air followed by reheating at 300 °C for 2 h in air. Another separate sample was prepared in addition to molten salt and urea was added then heated at 180 °C for 2 h. X-ray diffraction studies showed a single anatase phase, with characteristic lattice parameter values of a = 3.81 Å and c = 9.46 Å. Cyclic voltammetry studies on the TiO2 nanoparticles show main cathodic and anodic redox peaks at ~ 1.7 and ~ 1.9 V respectively. Further galvanostatic discharge-charge cycling studies were performed on all samples at a current rate of 30 mA/g. TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized at 180 °C for 2 h and treated with urea delivered a high reversible capacity of ~ 275 mAh/g, whereas TiO2 reheated at 300 °C displayed a capacity of ~ 215 mAh/g. In both compounds capacity fading was found to be at 9.8 to 15% between 5 and 60 cycles.