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TiO 2 Hollow Spheres Composed of Highly Crystalline Nanocrystals Exhibit Superior Lithium Storage Properties
Author(s) -
Zhang Genqiang,
Wu Hao Bin,
Song Taeseup,
Paik Ungyu,
Lou Xiong Wen David
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201406476
Subject(s) - crystallinity , calcination , materials science , crystallite , anatase , nanocrystal , crystallization , spheres , chemical engineering , lithium (medication) , nanotechnology , nanoparticle , photocatalysis , chemistry , composite material , catalysis , organic chemistry , engineering , metallurgy , medicine , physics , astronomy , endocrinology
While the synthesis of TiO 2 hollow structures is well‐established, in most cases it is particularly difficult to control the crystallization of TiO 2 in solution or by calcination. As a result, TiO 2 hollow structures do not really exhibit enhanced lithium storage properties. Herein, we report a simple and cost‐effective template‐assisted method to synthesize anatase TiO 2 hollow spheres composed of highly crystalline nanocrystals, in which carbonaceous (C) spheres are chosen as the removable template. The release of gaseous species from the combustion of C spheres may inhibit the growth of TiO 2 crystallites so that instead small TiO 2 nanocrystals are generated. The small size and high crystallinity of primary TiO 2 nanoparticles and the high structural integrity of the hollow spheres gives rise to significant improvements in the cycling stability and rate performance of the TiO 2 hollow spheres.