Study of lithium diffusion properties and high-rate performance of Nb–TiO2 as an anode for lithium-ion battery

• Published in: Ceramics international Vol. 48; no. 19; pp. 27922 - 27930
• Main Authors: Paulraj, Vivek, Kavibharathy, K., Kumaran, V., Bharathi, K. Kamala
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2022
• Subjects: Anode material; Diffusivity; Li-ion battery; TiO2; Anode material; Li-ion battery; Diffusivity; TiO2
• ISSN: 0272-8842; 1873-3956
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.06.096

The electrical conductivity of anode material is a major issue faced by high performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Titanium dioxide with promising features such as low cost, stable and safer, can serve as an excellent anode material for LIBs. But the poor electronic conductivity of titanium dioxide is a major obstacle needed to be overcome before using it as an anode material. Niobium doping improves electronic conductivity of titanium dioxide, particularly 30% doping of Nb in TiO2 leads to maximum increase of electronic conductivity. Here in this report, we have synthesized Nb doped TiO2 by simple coprecipitation method. The electrochemical studies carried out proved Nb doping have not only enhanced the electronic conductivity but also have improved lithium diffusivity. The cycle studies conducted at 0.5C, Nb–TiO2 delivered 191 mA h/g initially and 157 mA h/g at the 100th cycle retaining 82% of initial capacity and exhibiting 99% columbic efficiency throughout the cycle. The lithium-ion diffusivity studies revealed that Nb enhanced the diffusion-controlled storage capacity. The EIS studies showed very low charge transfer resistance for Nb doped TiO2 compared to bare TiO2. Further insight into this strategy of improving electrical conductivity can lead to high performance anode materials.