TiO₂ Nanomaterials as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries

With the increased focus on sustainable energy, Li-ion rechargeable batteries are playing more important roles in energy storage and utilization. Owing to their high safety, low cost, and moderate capacity, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanomaterials have been considered as promising alternative anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. Here, we present a concise overview of past research efforts on TiO₂ nanomaterials as anode materials for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. We focus on research examples that illustrate the importance of the nanometer-scale, shape, dimensionality, and morphology of the TiO₂ nanomaterials to their electrochemical properties for Li-ion storage. Representative examples are given for nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, nanosheets, and three-dimensional materials, as well as amorphous structures. Approaches to improve the performance of TiO₂ nanomaterials such as carbon coating, bulk doping, self-structural modification, and compositing are surveyed briefly. Progress in the use of TiO₂ nanomaterials in full-cell configurations is also reviewed. Finally, the challenges for the practical applications of TiO₂ nanomaterials in Li-ion rechargeable batteries are discussed briefly.