Improvements in the Electrochemical Kinetic Properties and Rate Capability of Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Nitrogen Doping

Pure anatase TiO2 and N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a solvothermal method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the surface of the doped material was dominated by interstitial N, while interstitial and substitutional N coexisted in the material bulk. Both materials showed superior cycle stability. In addition, the N-doped material exhibited much better rate capability than pure TiO2. A discharge capacity of 45 mAh g(-1) was obtained at the 15 C rate, which was 80% higher than that of pure TiO2. The electrochemical kinetic properties of the materials were studied by a galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The charge-transfer resistance of TiO2 was decreased by N doping. Meanwhile, the minimum lithium diffusion coefficient was increased to 2.14 X 10(-11) cm(2) s(-1), which is 13 times higher than that of pure TiO2. This indicates that the electrochemical kinetic properties of TiO2 were improved by N doping, which substantially improved the specific capacity and rate capability of TiO2.