Centrifugally spun TiO2/C composite fibers prepared from TiS2/PAN precursor fibers as binder-free anodes for LIBS

TiO2/carbon composite-fiber anodes for lithium ion batteries were prepared through the centrifugal spinning of TiS2/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibers and subsequent thermal treatment. The TiS2/PAN precursor solutions were prepared by mixing TiS2 nanoparticles (a 2-D layered structure) with PAN in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The thermal treatment of the TiS2 in the centrifugally spun PAN fibers resulted in TiO2/carbon composite fibers. The structure of TiO2 nanoparticles embedded in the carbon-fiber matrix synthesized from the TiS2 starting material may accommodate high amounts of Li ions. The TiO2/C structure may lead to increased specific capacity, improved stability, and enhanced electrochemical performance of the TiO2/C composite electrode after prolonged charge/discharge cycles. The TiO2/C composite-fiber anode delivered discharge and charge capacities at the first cycle of 683 mAbg(-1) and 356 mAhg(-1), respectively, with a reversible charge capacity of 290 mAhg(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mAg(-1). The TiO2/C composite fibers showed an improvement in the rate performance at higher current densities compared to the graphite anode alone.

Automated summary

The TiO2/carbon composite-fiber anodes prepared through centrifugal spinning showed promising performance in lithium ion batteries, with high specific capacity and stability, leading to improved electrochemical properties of the battery.