3D anatase TiO₂ hollow microspheres assembled with high-energy {001} facets for lithium-ion batteries

3D anatase TiO₂ hollow microspheres assembled with high-energy {001} facets have been synthesized by a one-pot solution method and their lithium storage capacity are investigated. The structural and compositional analysis of the mesoporous TiO₂ product has been performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) along with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The Bruauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area has been calculated by the nitrogen isotherm curve and pore size distribution of TiO₂ microspheres has been determined by the Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method. It has been found that the as-prepared TiO₂ electrodes delivered high capacity, good cycling stability and rate capability. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the hollow nature and exposed high-energy {001} facets of the 3D assembled structure. Therefore, such a structure can be considered to be an attractive candidate as an electrode material for LIBs.