Interfacial Reactions between Lithium and Grain Boundaries from Anatase TiO2-TUD-1 Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries with Enhanced Capacity Retention.

The synergistic incorporation of anatase TiO2 domains into siliceous TUD-1 was optimized in this work and the resulting sample was implemented as the electrode in lithium-ion batteries. Triethanolamine was used as both the templating and complexing agent, the Si/Ti ratio was controlled, and the formation of Ti-O-Si bridges was optimized, as revealed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with the porous character of the materials being confirmed with N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The controlled formation of Ti-O-Si bridges resulted in attractive specific charge capacities, high rate capability, and a good retention of capacity. The electrochemical performance of the composite material clearly demonstrates a synergistic effect between pure TiO2 in its anatase form and the otherwise inactive siliceous TUD-1 matrix. Specific capacities of 300 mA h g-1 with a retention of 94% were obtained at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 over 100 cycles. This work showcases the use of bifunctional templating agents in the improvement of the performance and the long-term cyclability of composite electrodes, which can be potentially applied in future synthesis of energy materials.