Wet chemical synthesis of Cu/TiO2 nanocomposites with integrated nano-current-collectors as high-rate anode materials in lithium-ion batteries

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2011 Feb 14;13(6):2014-20. doi: 10.1039/c0cp01119c. Epub 2011 Jan 4.

Abstract

Using a soft-template assisted method, well-organized Cu/TiO(2) nanoarchitectured electrode materials with copper nanowires as their own current collectors are synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of tetrabutyl titanate in the presence of Cu-based nanowires, and investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical tests towards lithium storage. Two types of Cu/TiO(2) nanocomposites with different TiO(2) grain sizes are obtained by using different thermal treatments. The two types of Cu/TiO(2) nanocomposites show much enhanced rate performances compared with bare TiO(2). A high-rate capability (reversible capacity at 7500 mA g(-1) still accounts for 58% of its initial capacity at 50 mA g(-1)) is observed for the Cu/TiO(2) nanocomposite with smaller TiO(2) grain size. The improvements can be attributed to the integrated Cu nanowires as mechanical supports and efficient current collectors. A cell made from the Cu/TiO(2) nanoarchitectured electrodes exhibits promise as an energy storage device with both high energy and high power densities.

MeSH terms

  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electrodes
  • Lithium / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanowires / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • titanium dioxide
  • Copper
  • Lithium
  • Titanium