Comparison of the rate capability of nanostructured amorphous and anatase TiO₂ for lithium insertion using anodic TiO₂ nanotube arrays

Nanostructured amorphous and anatase TiO₂ are both considered as high rate Li-insertion/extraction electrode materials. To clarify which phase is more desirable for lithium ion batteries with both high power and high density, we compare the electrochemical properties of anatase and amorphous TiO₂ by using anodic TiO₂ nanotube arrays (ATNTAs) as electrodes. With the same morphological features, the rate capacity of nanostructured amorphous TiO₂ is higher than that of nanostructured anatase TiO₂ due to the higher Li-diffusion coefficient of amorphous TiO₂ as proved by the electrochemical impedance spectra of an amorphous and an anatase ATNTA electrode. The electrochemical impedance spectra also prove that the electronic conductivity of amorphous TiO₂ is lower than that of anatase TiO₂. These results are helpful in the structural and componential design of all TiO₂ mesoporous structures as anode material in lithium ion batteries. Moreover, all the advantages of the amorphous ATNTA electrode including high rate capacity, desirable cycling performance and the simplicity of its fabrication process indicate that amorphous ATNTA is potentially useful as the anode for lithium ion batteries with both high power and high energy density.