Lithium intercalation into nanocrystalline brookite TiO2

Lithium intercalation in phase-pure nanocrystalline brookite TiO2 is demonstrated for the first time. Galvanostatic studies show that 0.9 Li per formula unit can be intercalated into this phase in initial discharge. Ex situ X-ray diffraction studies on the electrodes at different levels of lithium intercalation show that the structure is stable toward lithium intercalation and deintercation. In the initial charge, an irreversible capacity loss is observed. However, on further cycling, the phase shows excellent cycling behavior. A reversible capacity of 170 mAhg(-1) is observed even after 40 cycles. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.