Facile Scalable Synthesis of TiO₂/Carbon Nanohybrids with Ultrasmall TiO₂ Nanoparticles Homogeneously Embedded in Carbon Matrix

A facile scalable synthesis of TiO₂/C nanohybrids inspired by polymeric dental restorative materials has been developed, which creates ultrasmall TiO₂ nanoparticles homogeneously embedded in the carbon matrix. The average size of the nanoparticles is tuned between about 1 and 5 nm with the carbon content systematically increased from 0% to 65%. Imaging analysis and a scattering technique have been applied to investigate the morphology of the TiO₂ nanoparticles. The composition, nature of carbon matrix, crystallinity, and tap density of the TiO₂/C nanohybrids have been studied. The application of the TiO₂/C nanohybrids as lithium-ion battery anode is demonstrated. Unusual discharge/charge profiles have been exhibited, where characteristic discharge/charge plateaus of crystalline TiO₂ are significantly diminished. The tap density, cyclic capacities, and rate performance at high current densities (10 C, 20 C) of the TiO₂/C nanohybrid anodes have been effectively improved compared to the bare carbon anode and the TiO₂/C nanohybrids with larger particle size.