Well-defined monodisperse mesoporous TiNb6O17 microspheres for use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Well-defined mesoporous TiNb 6 O 17 microspheres are synthesized through a facile solvothermal method in isopropanol followed by a thermal treatment. The mesoporous TiNb 6 O 17 microspheres are monodisperse with uniform morphology and are assembled by interconnected nanocrystals. The hierarchical mesoporous structure of the TiNb 6 O 17 microspheres not only supplies a large electrode/electrolyte interfacial area but also reduces the diffusion distance of Li + , such that the TiNb 6 O 17 microspheres have excellent electrochemical properties, especially a good rate performance. As the rate is increased from 1 to 5, 10, 20, and 30 C, the discharge capacity of the TiNb 6 O 17 microspheres is slowly reduced from 273.7 to 239.5, 228.2, 216.0, and 175.3 mAh g −1 , respectively. The good rate performance is mainly caused by the pseudocapacitive effect. These mesoporous TiNb 6 O 17 microspheres are promising anode materials for producing lithium-ion battery with excellent rate capacity and good safety.