Fast synthesis of uniform mesoporous titania submicrospheres with high tap densities for high-volumetric performance Li-ion batteries

High-tap density electrode materials are greatly desired for Li-ion batteries with high volumetric capacities to fulfill the growing demands of electric vehicles and portable smart devices. TiO 2 , which is one of the most attractive anode materials, is limited in their application for Li-ion batteries because of its low tap density (usually <1 g cm −3 ) and volumetric capacity. Herein, we report uniform mesoporous TiO 2 submicrospheres with a tap density as high as 1.62 g cm −3 as a promising anode material. Even with a high mass loading of 24 mg cm −2 , the TiO 2 submicrospheres have impressive volumetric capacities that are more than double those of their counterparts. Moreover, they can be synthesized with ~100% yield and within a reaction time of ~6 h by optimizing the experimental conditions and formation mechanism, exhibiting potential for large-scale production for industrial applications. Other mesoporous anode materials, i.e., high-tap density mesoporous Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 submicrospheres, are fabricated using the generalizedmethod. We believe that our work provides a significant reference for the industrial production of mesoporous materials for Li-ion batteries with a high volumetric performance.