TiO2 Nanostructures as Anode Materials for Li/Na-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Here we summarize some results on the use of TiO₂ nanostructures as anode materials for more efficient Li-ion (LIBs) and Na-ion (NIBs) batteries. LIBs are the leader to power portable electronic devices, and represent in the short-term the most adequate technology to power electrical vehicles, while NIBs hold promise for large storage of energy generated from renewable sources. Specifically, TiO₂ an abundant, low cost, chemically stable and environmentally safe oxide represents in LIBs an alternative to graphite for applications in which safety is mandatory. For NIBs, TiO₂ anodes (or more precisely negative electrodes) work at low voltage, assuring acceptable energy density values. Finally, assembling different TiO₂ polymorphs in the form of nanostructures decreases diffusion distances, increases the number of contacts and offering additional sites for Na⁺ storage, helping to improve power efficiency. More specifically, in this contribution we highlighted our work on TiO₂ anatase mesocrystals of colloidal size. These sophisticate materials; showing excellent textural properties, have remarkable electrochemical performance as anodes for Li/Na-ion batteries, with conventional alkyl carbonates electrolytes and safe electrolytes based on ionic liquids.

Keywords: Mesocrystals; TiO2 nanostructures; ionic liquids; renewable energy; safety.