Extraordinary long-term cycleability of TiO2-B nanorods as anodes in full-cell assembly with electrospun PVdF-HFP membranes

One dimensional TiO2-B nanorods are synthesized by a conventional hydrothermal approach under highly concentrated alkali hydroxide solutions. Various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman studies, BET surface area measurements, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are utilized. Electrochemical Li-insertion properties are evaluated by means of half-cell configuration (Li/TiO2-B) which delivered a discharge capacity of 195 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 150 mA g(-1) under ambient temperature conditions. The test cell, Li/TiO2-B, displayed good cycling profiles up to 500 cycles with columbic efficiency over 99.5%. Full-cell, LiMn2O4/TiO2-B, is fabricated and tested both in conventional liquid and PVdF-HFP membranes at a current density of 150 mA g(-1) and exhibited an excellent cycleability up to 1000 cycles at an operating potential of similar to 2.5 V. The results demonstrate the improved electrochemical performance and durability of one dimensional nanostructures i.e. TiO2-B nanorods and electrospun membranes during prolonged cycling. In addition, ex-situ TEM analysis revealed the retention of nanorod morphology along with the crystalline structure after 1000 cycles in full-cell assembly, which ensures excellent long-term cycleability of TiO2-B anodes.