Synthesis of Si/TiO2 core–shell nanoparticles as anode material for high performance lithium ion batteries

We demonstrated that titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) significantly enhances the reversible capacity of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) used as the anode material for lithium ion batteries. The novel silicon and titanium dioxide core–shell nanoparticles (Si/TiO 2 ) was prepared via a facile sol–gel method with the following heat-treatment process. The as-prepared materials were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscope. As an anode material for battery, the electrode was investigated by a series of electrochemical measurements. The as-prepared Si/TiO 2 electrode exhibits superior electrochemical performance in comparison with pure SiNPs, which realizes an initial capacity as high as 2636.9 mAh/g and still retains 1010.7 mAh/g even after 100 cycles of charging and discharging. The excellent cycle stability and capacity retention of the as-prepared electrode would be attributed to the existence of TiO 2 layers to accommodate the large volume changes of silicon and enhancement ability to minimizes loss of pulverization during the lithium insertion/desertion cycles. Therefore, the as-prepared Si/TiO 2 is believed to be an potential anode material for lithium-ion battery applications.