Growth mechanism of hollow TiO2(B) nanocrystals as powerful application in lithium-ion batteries

This article deduces the formation mechanism of hollow TiO2(B) nanocrystals by Oriented Attachment and Kirkendall effect. Charge density distribution and total energy can be calculated using SCC-DV-X alpha-ECM. The diameter of the hollow nanocrystals is about 10-18 nm and the wall thickness of hollow nanocrystals is about 3-5 nm. The dimensions are smaller than other previous reports. In addition, their best discharge specific capacity has already reached nearly 360 mAhg(-1) at 0.2 C. Comparing with other structures of TiO2(B), the hollow nanocrystals have a high rate capability and stable cycling. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.