Long-term, high-rate lithium storage capabilities of TiO2 nanostructured electrodes using 3D self-supported indium tin oxide conducting nanowire arrays

Abstract

Core/shell, indium tin oxide (ITO)/TiO₂ hybrid nanostructured electrodes for high-power lithium ion rechargeable batteries have been synthesized via a thermal evaporation method followed by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Lithium-active TiO₂ nanoparticles were uniformly assembled onto high-conductivity ITO nanowire arrays that were directly grown on metallic current collectors. This configuration resulted in superior rate capabilities and long-term cycle life. Such high electrochemical performances result from the unique 3 dimensional (3D) geometrical features of nanoarchitectured electrodes, which enable efficient electronic pathways upon prolonged cycling.