Mesoporous TiO2 nanocrystals produced by a fast hydrolytic process as high-rate long-lasting Li-ion battery anodes

Mesoporous TiO2 nanocrystals were prepared by a simple and fast hydrolytic process, in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide surfactant, and their ambient temperature electrochemical behaviour as high-rate Li-ion battery anodes was successfully demonstrated even after very long-term cycling (>1000 cycles). Samples were thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen physisorption analyses and electrochemical techniques. Using a novel synthesis approach, regular mesoporous TiO2 anatase phase with a specific surface area of 258 m(2) g(-1) and a good degree of crystallinity was directly obtained without further treatments. The material was also calcined at different temperatures between 250 and 550 C, to increase the degree of crystallization and assess the influence of the structural modifications on the electrochemical characteristics. Very good rate capability and excellent stability upon very prolonged cycling were achieved, thus indicating the prospects of the prepared materials for next-generation high-power lithium-based batteries. (C) 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.