TiO2 flakes as anode materials for Li-ion-batteries

Anatase titanium dioxide is a promising negative electrode material for Li-ion batteries. However, the low intrinsic electrical conductivity and poor cycling performance have limited its application. In this work, titanium dioxide flakes have been synthesized through a simple spreading method that is easily scalable. The calcined titanium dioxide flakes exhibit larger reversible charge/discharge capacity, better rate capability and excellent cycling stability compared to anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The larger surface area of the flakes leads to a larger electrode/electrolyte contact area, shorter solid state path lengths for both Li-ion and electron transport, which results in the better rate capability. The cycling performance was significantly improved by the porous structure of the calcined titanium dioxide flakes. Strategies for improving the volumetric energy density of the flakes are also discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.