High alkaline ion storage capacity of hollow interwoven structured Sb/TiO2 particles: the galvanic replacement formation mechanism and volumetric buffer effect

Abstract

A new galvanic replacement synthetic strategy using metallic Ti as a template for hollow voids is presented and an intriguing hollow interwoven structured Sb/TiO₂ is introduced. The applied Ti can play the triple role of reducing the Sb-ion into Sb, acting as a sacrificial template to generate hollow voids through a structural evolution and behaving as an alternative non-sensitive titanium salt to form TiO₂. Interwoven Sb/TiO₂ can be readily activated and can also buffer drastic volumetric variations during storage of alkaline ions (e.g. Li⁺, Na⁺), thereby demonstrating high capacity and superior cycling ability in rechargeable batteries.