Experimental investigation of cycling characteristics of anatase TiO2 nanotubes as negative electrode of lithium-ion batteries

Anatase TiO2 Nanotubes (NT-TiO2) is synthesized via electrochemical anodization of 99.9% pure titanium foils in a fluorine containing Ethylene Glycol (EG) electrolyte and used as the anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In the first cycle, the charge-discharge capacities are 550 mAhg-1 and 400 mAhg-1, respectively, with columbic efficiency of 75.75%. At 40th cycle, charge-discharge capacities are found to be 375 mAhg-1 and 325 mAhg-1, respectively, with improved columbic efficiency of 86%. The superior electrochemical performances of this type of battery originated from its high specific surface area and highly nanotubes structure. These advanced features of the nanotubes provide higher contact between electrodes and electrolytes, shorten the diffusion pathways for conductive ions.