In-situ growth of TiO2 film on carbonized eggshell membrane as 3D electrode for high-performance lithium storage

Abstract 3D electrodes have shown extraordinary promise for electrochemical energy storage devices in wearable electronics. However, it is still a significant challenge to rationally design 3D electrode that has the characteristics of lightweight, flexibility, low cost, high performance and miniaturization. In this work, we present a novel design of 3D electrode by directly growing the nanocrystalline TiO2 film on carbonized eggshell membrane. The unique architecture can supply not only a continuous electron transport pathway through an interconnected carbon fibrous network but also an efficient electrolyte flux via an interpenetrating porous network. Besides, nanocrystalline TiO2 film on carbonized eggshell membrane offers a short ion diffusion path in the solid-phase, leading to a rapid kinetic of electrochemical reaction. When tested as an anode for Li-ion battery, TiO2 film in 3D electrode demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance with a large reversible capacity, excellent rate capacity and long life cycling property.