Electrochimica Acta, Vol.238, 349-356, 2017
Interpenetrating network of titania and carbon ultrafine fibers as hybrid anode materials for high performance sodium-ion batteries
Interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of titania, having high cycling stability and rate capability, and carbon, having high electrical conductivity and capacity, ultrafine fibers were fabricated by a co-electrospinning technique in opposite directions. The IPN structure promoted a contact between titania and carbon fibers, minimized strain during ion de-insertion, and prevented agglomeration that shortened the cycling stability. Images from scanning electron microscopy with backscattering electron detector and X-ray diffraction spectra confirm the existence of the IPN structure of both types of fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy of the composite fibers reveal their 37 wt% of titania content and 1.2 ratio between disorder and graphitic carbon (ID/IG). A galvanostatic curve displays stable reversible capacities of 202 and 247 mA h g(-1) for charge and discharge after the fifth cycle at a current density of 25 mA g(-1). The material had a superior discharge capacity of 151 and 123 mA h g(-1) at 125 and 250 mA g(-1), respectively. Moreover, the discharge capacity could be maintained at 134 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 125 mA g(-1) with a Coulombic efficiency of more than 98%, presenting a long life cycle of batteries. Therefore, the prepared IPN composite fibers can be an efficient anode for sodium-ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.