Ordered mesoporous TiO2–C nanocomposite as an anode material for long-term performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

A nanocomposite of ordered mesoporous pure anatase TiO₂–C was successfully synthesized for the first time by using ordered mesoporous carbon as a nano-reactor and exhibited a short-range ordered mesoporous structure. It was found that carbon was coated on the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles to form a thin layer. Using this material as an anode in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, it displayed a large reversible capacity, high rate performance and excellent long-term cycling stability. For instance, a large reversible capacity of 166 mA h g⁻¹ and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% could be maintained even after 900 cycles at a current rate of 1 C. This can be attributed to the structure of the ordered mesoporous TiO₂–C nanocomposite. Such a nanostructure provides both electron and lithium-ion pathways which are essential for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with a large capacity and excellent long-term performance.