Toward superior lithium/sodium storage performance: design and construction of novel TiO2-based anode materials

TiO2-based materials have been considered as one of most promising alternatives for high-performance Li(Na)-ion batteries because of the low cost, simple composition, easy synthesis, good environmental protection, excellent safety and relatively high specific capacity. Nonetheless, the inferior electronic conductivity and poor ion diffusion coefficients are the biggest bottlenecks that restrict the popular application. Much effort has been focused on resolving these problems toward large-scale applications, and numerous significant advances have been accomplished. In the present work, a comprehensive overview of structure characteristics, electrochemical reaction mechanism and modification strategies of TiO2-based materials was presented. The recent advances of various efficient ways for improving conductivity, Li(Na) storage capacity, rate capability and cycle stability are systematically summarized, including surface engineering, constructing composite and element doping, etc. Constructing TiO2-based materials with novel porous heterogeneous core-shell structures have been regarded as one of the most effective ways to resolve these challenges. Finally, the future research directions and development prospects of TiO2-based anode materials used in the manufacture of high-performance Li(Na)-ion batteries are prospected. This review can provide important comprehension for the construction and optimization of high-performance of TiO2-based anode materials.

Automated summary

TiO2-based materials have many advantages but also face some bottlenecks, and significant progress has been made with various efficient ways to improve their performance. Constructing novel porous heterogeneous core-shell structures is considered as an effective approach to overcome these challenges.