In situ monitoring of TiO2(B)/anatase nanoparticle formation and application in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries

Bronze phase, TiO2(B), and anatase nanoparticles in various weight fractions and with different sizes have been synthesized by a very facile method and their electrochemical performances have been evaluated in Li- and Na-ion cells. The transition from a layered hydrogen-titanate precursor to TiO2(B)/anatase mixtures was monitored by in situ powder X-ray diffraction from room temperature to 800 degrees C. Simple NaOH treatment of the precursor inhibited the transformation of the precursor and TiO2(B) to anatase at elevated temperatures and allowed for the preparation of larger TiO2(B) crystallites with extra high thermal stability.