TiO2(B) nanofiber bundles as a high performance anode for a Li-ion battery

TiO2(B) nanofiber bundles have been successfully synthesized by a facile method. Compared with conventional nanosized/nanostructured TiO2(B), the as-prepared sample displays a much lower surface area. It was demonstrated that the as-prepared TiO2(B) displays both good rate ability and long cycle life for Li-storage in a non-aqueous electrolyte. The TiO2(B)-based electrode can still maintain similar to 80% of its initial reversible capacity over 2000 cycles. In addition, the as-prepared TiO2 was coupled with LiFePO4 to form a rechargeable Li-ion battery, which shows good reversibility with a sloping voltage from 1.5 to 2.3 V, high power performance as well as a promising cycle life. Finally, the charge storage ability of the TiO2(B)/LiFePO4 battery was compared with that of a Li4Ti5O12/LiFePO4 battery. The inherent slope potential profile of the TiO2(B) anode effectively widens the charge storage voltage window of the TiO2(B)/LiFePO4 battery, and thus makes the TiO2(B)/LiFePO4 battery exhibit a better charge storage ability.