TiO2 Nanotubes as a Negative Electrode
Additional Funding Sources
The project described was supported by the National Science Foundation via the Research Experience for Undergraduates Site: Materials for Society (Award No. 1950305) and by the Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering at Boise State University.
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in consumer electronics, mobile phones, and electric vehicles. Graphite negative electrodes are the current state of the art in rechargeable LIB design due to their high capacity and cycle stability at room temperature. Limitations of the graphite negative electrode, such as its low charging rate, structural instability, and capacity fade under sustained cycling are barriers to the development of future technologies and must be addressed. The need for alternative negative electrode materials with enhanced performance has motivated the study of TiO2 nanotube-based electrodes as a possible replacement for graphite. In this study, we will investigate the electrochemical performance of TiO2 nanotube electrodes that have been doped with niobium. The electrodes are synthesized using either via anodization or hydrothermal synthesis, and Nb-doping is accomplished either chemically, for hydrothermal nanotubes, or via ion irradiation of anodized nanotubes with Nb ions. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of chemical and ion irradiation Nb-doping in TiO2 nanotubes for LIBs, and to compare their electrochemical performance.
TiO2 Nanotubes as a Negative Electrode
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in consumer electronics, mobile phones, and electric vehicles. Graphite negative electrodes are the current state of the art in rechargeable LIB design due to their high capacity and cycle stability at room temperature. Limitations of the graphite negative electrode, such as its low charging rate, structural instability, and capacity fade under sustained cycling are barriers to the development of future technologies and must be addressed. The need for alternative negative electrode materials with enhanced performance has motivated the study of TiO2 nanotube-based electrodes as a possible replacement for graphite. In this study, we will investigate the electrochemical performance of TiO2 nanotube electrodes that have been doped with niobium. The electrodes are synthesized using either via anodization or hydrothermal synthesis, and Nb-doping is accomplished either chemically, for hydrothermal nanotubes, or via ion irradiation of anodized nanotubes with Nb ions. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of chemical and ion irradiation Nb-doping in TiO2 nanotubes for LIBs, and to compare their electrochemical performance.