Facile kinetics of Li-ion intake causes superior rate capability in multiwalled carbon nanotube@TiO2 nanocomposite battery anodes
P. Acevedo-Pena, M. Haro, M. E. Rincon, J. Bisquert, G. Garcia-Belmonte J. Power Sources 268, 397-403
Nanotechnology produces hybrids with superior properties than its individual constituents. Here MWCNT@TiO2 composites have been synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide over MWCNT, to be incorporated into Li-ion battery electrodes. Outstanding rate capability of the coated nanotubes is observed in comparison to pristine TiO2. Specific storage capacity as high as 250 mAh g1 is achieved for the nanocomposite electrode which doubles that encountered for TiO2-based anodes. The
mechanism explaining the enhancement in power performance has been revealed by means of electrochemical impedance methods. Although both pristine TiO2 and MWCNT@TiO2 would potentially exhibit comparable specific capacity, the charge transfer resistance for the latter is reduced by a factor 10, implying a key role of MWCNTs to favor the interfacial Liþ ion intake from the electrolyte. MWCNT efficiently provides electrons to the nanostructure through the TieC bond which assists the Liþ ion
incorporation. These findings provide access to the detailed lithiation kinetics of a broad class of nanocomposites for battery applications.
Nanotechnology produces hybrids with superior properties than its individual constituents. Here MWCNT@TiO2 composites have been synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide over MWCNT, to be incorporated into Li-ion battery electrodes. Outstanding rate capability of the coated nanotubes is observed in comparison to pristine TiO2. Specific storage capacity as high as 250 mAh g1 is achieved for the nanocomposite electrode which doubles that encountered for TiO2-based anodes. The
mechanism explaining the enhancement in power performance has been revealed by means of electrochemical impedance methods. Although both pristine TiO2 and MWCNT@TiO2 would potentially exhibit comparable specific capacity, the charge transfer resistance for the latter is reduced by a factor 10, implying a key role of MWCNTs to favor the interfacial Liþ ion intake from the electrolyte. MWCNT efficiently provides electrons to the nanostructure through the TieC bond which assists the Liþ ion
incorporation. These findings provide access to the detailed lithiation kinetics of a broad class of nanocomposites for battery applications.