Improved lithium storage properties of electrospun TiO2 with tunable morphology: from porous anatase to necklace rutile

Abstract

Three-dimensional TiO₂ with tunable morphology and crystalline phase was successfully prepared by the electrospinning technique and subsequent annealing. Porous-shaped anatase TiO₂, cluster-shaped anatase TiO₂, hierarchical-shaped rutile (minor) TiO₂ and nano-necklace rutile (major) TiO₂ were achieved at 500, 600, 700 and 800 °C, respectively. The mechanism of the formation of these tailored morphologies and crystallinity was investigated. Lithium insertion properties were evaluated by galvanostatic and potentiostatic modes in half-cell configurations. By combining the large surface area, open mesoporosity and stable crystalline phase, the porous-shaped anatase TiO₂ exhibited the highest capacity, best rate and cycling performance among the four samples. The present results demonstrated the usefulness of three-dimensional TiO₂ as an anode for lithium storage with improved electrode performance.