High-rate performance of Ti³⁺ self-doped TiO₂ prepared by imidazole reduction for Li-ion batteries

Ti³⁺ self-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared via a simple imidazole reduction process and developed as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. Introducing the Ti³⁺-state on TiO₂ nanoparticles resulted in superior rate performances that the capacity retention of 88% at 50 C. The enhanced electrochemical performances were attributed to the resulting lower internal resistance and improved electronic conductivity, based on galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses.