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Published on: December 20, 2016
Electrochemically Treated TiO₂ for Enhanced Performance in Aqueous Al-Ion Batteries
Alexander Holland1, Rachel McKerracher2, Andrew Cruden3
1Energy Technology Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. awh1g10@soton.ac.uk.
Electrochemical treatment enhances anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) for aqueous aluminum-ion batteries. This improved TiO₂ electrode offers higher capacity and excellent stability for sustainable energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is explored for low-cost, eco-friendly energy storage.
- Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries offer potential for high-rate energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the performance enhancement of a composite TiO₂ electrode via electrochemical treatment.
- To evaluate the suitability of treated TiO₂ for aqueous Al-ion batteries.
Main Methods:
- Cathodic electrochemical treatment in KOH solution.
- Mott-Schottky analysis to determine electronic properties.
- Galvanostatic cycling in AlCl₃/KCl electrolyte.
- Material characterization using XRD, SEM, and XPS.
Main Results:
- Electrochemical treatment increased electron density and stabilized open circuit potential.
- Treated TiO₂ exhibited enhanced capacity, coulombic efficiency, and stability.
- A capacity of 15.3 mA·h·g⁻¹ with 99.95% coulombic efficiency at 10 A/g was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Cathodic electrochemical treatment significantly improves TiO₂ performance in aqueous Al-ion batteries.
- The treated TiO₂ electrode demonstrates a promising pathway for efficient and stable energy storage solutions.
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