Polymorphism-induced catalysis difference of TiO2 nanofibers for rechargeable Li–O2 batteries

Abstract

The polymorphic change of TiO₂ nanofiber catalysts from anatase to rutile enabled Li–O₂ cells to have higher round-trip efficiency and lower overpotential followed by a better cyclic retention. This is due to enhanced catalytic activity probably associated with the smaller Li⁺ chemisorption energy and band gap of the rutile phase compared with the anatase phase.