Exploring a Li-ion battery using surface modified titania nanotubes versus high voltage cathode nanowires

Abstract Novel battery architectures with improved safety, power and energy density are currently being demanded for battery miniaturization. We present a rechargeable full cell fabricated with self-organized titania nanotubes (nt-TiO 2 ) and self-organized LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 nanowires (LNMO). The effects of the Li 3 PO 4 -coated nt-TiO 2 on the electrochemical performance of the full cell are studied. A complete (de)-intercalation of lithium into both electrodes is observed, and cells avoid the use of metallic lithium while displaying improved safety and restrained lowering of the overall cell voltage. The surface modified electrodes exhibit better rate capability and cycling performance compared to non-treated electrodes. The nt-TiO 2 , Li 3 PO 4 /EC:DEC LiPF 6 /LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 cell could be cycled at 5C rate, with associated capacity of 125 mA h g −1 , energy density of 325 W h kg −1 and power density of 637 μW cm −2  μm −1 . These results give evidence to the compatibility between both nanostructured electrodes particularly when lithium phosphate exerts a stabilization effect at the electrode/electrolyte interface, facilitating improved mass transfer and Li-diffusion at high rates.