Electrospun Nanotubular Titania and Polymeric Interfaces for High Energy Density Li-Ion Electrodes

In the current study, for the first time, electrospinning of nanotubular structures was developed for Li-ion battery high energy density applications. For this purpose, titania-based nanotubular materials were synthesized and characterized. Before electrospinning with PVDF to obtain a self-standing electrode, the nanotubes were modified to obtain the best charge-transferring structure. In the current study, for the first time, the effects of various thermal treatment temperatures and durations under an Ar-controlled atmosphere were investigated for Li+ diffusion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammograms, and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique showed that the fastest charge transfer kinetics belongs to the sample treated for 10 h. After optimization of electrospinning parameters, a fully nanotube-embedded fibrous structure was achieved and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained flexible electrode was pressed at ambient and 80 °C to improve the fiber volume fraction. Finally, the galvanostatic charge/discharge tests for the electrospun electrode after 100 cycles illustrated that the hot-pressed sample showed the highest capacity. The polymeric network enabled the omission of metallic current collectors, thus increasing the energy density by 14%. The results of electrospun electrodes offer a promising structure for future high-energy applications.