Constructing a novel strategy for carbon-doped TiO2 multiple-phase nanocomposites toward superior electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries and the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

The key issue for TiO₂ as an anode in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) is improving its electronic conductivity and ionic diffusion ability, which hinder its rate performance and practical application in LIBs. Herein, we design a novel strategy using incompletely oxidized TiC as a precursor to prepare carbon-doped TiO₂ multiple-phase nanocomposites with improved ionic and electronic conductivity. The as-prepared carbon-doped TiO₂ multiple-phase (TiO₂(B) and anatase as major phases; TiC as a minor phase) nanocomposites exhibit a superior rate performance of up to 142 mA h g⁻¹ at 15 000 mA g⁻¹ (∼45 C) as well as excellent cycling stability as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, showing great potential for application in lithium-ion batteries. Through a combination of carbon doping and the introduction of multiple-phases, not only is the electrochemical performance greatly enhanced in lithium ion batteries, but this carbon-doped TiO₂ nanocomposite also shows high activity and stability for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction from water.