Mesoporous thin film TiO2 electrodes

Thin layer electrodes (200-500 nm) of highly organized nanotextured anatase were prepared by hydrolysis of TiCl4 in the presence of poly(alkylene oxide) block copolymer, Pluronic P-123, acting as a structure-directing agent. Electrochemical insertion of Li was studied in LiN(CF3SO2)(2) + ethylene carbonate + dimethoxyethane. Cyclic voltammograms of these electrodes showed unusual occurrence of two pairs of cathodic/anodic peaks at 1.5 and 1.6 V vs. Li/Li+. These peaks can serve as indicators of structural perfection of the mesoscopic skeleton: they diminish after mechanical or thermal destruction of the organized nanotexture. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.