Synergistic effects from super-small sized TiO2 and SiOx nanoparticles within TiO2/SiOx/carbon nanohybrid lithium-ion battery anode

TiO 2 /SiO x /carbon nanohybrid consisting of super-small sized TiO 2 and SiO x nanoparticles is in situ formed within the in situ formed carbon matrix using difunctional methacrylate monomers as solvent and carbon source. The relative composition of TiO 2 and SiO x is systematically tuned by varying the feeding mass ratio of the precursors (TEOS/TTIP) and HF etching treatment after the carbonization process. The super-small sized TiO 2 and SiO x nanoparticles are well intermixed with each other and homogeneously dispersed throughout the carbon matrix, where a good control over crystallinity, morphology, and microstructure of the nanohybrids is achieved. Synergistic effects are demonstrated from both TiO 2 and SiO x regarding the increased reversible capacity from the SiO x phase and maintenance of good cyclic stability by the TiO 2 component when being used in lithium-ion batteries. A good balance is achieved in terms of reversible capacity, capacity retention, and rate performance in the TiO 2 /SiO 2 /C nanohybrid prepared with the TEOS/TTIP mass ratio of 1.0. The reversible capacities are improved by around two times compared to the SiO x free sample with a good capacity retention of 78 %, which exhibits good rate capability at the current densities up to 3350 mA g −1 as well.