A facile synthesis of a uniform constitution of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous TiO2–carbon nanocomposites with hierarchical pores for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

In this work, we report the synthesis of several TiO₂–carbon nanocomposites (TCNs) composed of a homogeneous dispersion of carbon and anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals (30.2–68.7 wt%) in a three-dimensionally ordered macroporous framework with a pore-hierarchical structure fabricated by means of a simple multicomponent infiltration of three-dimensionally ordered templates. Galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques are employed to assess the properties of these nanocomposites for use in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). These results demonstrate that TiO₂ can be effectively utilized with the assistance of the carbon in the electrode. The TCN3 (55.4 wt% of TiO₂) is found to be the most efficient one with a high capacity of ∼549 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 C after 100 cycles. In addition, it exhibits good cycling stability and superior rate capability as an anode material in LIBs. The reversible capacity can still be retained at ∼132 mA h g⁻¹ at a high rate of 10 C. Such TCN represents a promising exploring direction for enhancing the device performance of metal oxide-based electrodes in LIBs.