Well-defined monodisperse mesoporous TiNb6O17 microspheres for use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2019-05, Vol.787, p.344-351
• Main Authors: Liu, Xiaodi, Liu, Guangyin, Liu, Miao, Hu, Min, Hu, Yingtao, Ma, Jianmin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anode effect; Chemical synthesis; Electrochemical analysis; Electrode materials; Heat treatment; Lithium; Lithium-ion batteries; Microspheres; Morphology; Nanocrystals; Nanostructured materials; Product safety; Rechargeable batteries; Structural hierarchy
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.02.092

Well-defined mesoporous TiNb6O17 microspheres are synthesized through a facile solvothermal method in isopropanol followed by a thermal treatment. The mesoporous TiNb6O17 microspheres are monodisperse with uniform morphology and are assembled by interconnected nanocrystals. The hierarchical mesoporous structure of the TiNb6O17 microspheres not only supplies a large electrode/electrolyte interfacial area but also reduces the diffusion distance of Li+, such that the TiNb6O17 microspheres have excellent electrochemical properties, especially a good rate performance. As the rate is increased from 1 to 5, 10, 20, and 30 C, the discharge capacity of the TiNb6O17 microspheres is slowly reduced from 273.7 to 239.5, 228.2, 216.0, and 175.3 mAh g−1, respectively. The good rate performance is mainly caused by the pseudocapacitive effect. These mesoporous TiNb6O17 microspheres are promising anode materials for producing lithium-ion battery with excellent rate capacity and good safety. •Well-defined monodisperse mesoporous TiNb6O17 microspheres are synthesized.•TiNb6O17 microspheres have high capacity and good cycling stability.•TiNb6O17 microspheres have good rate capability.