Na+ intercalation pseudocapacitance in graphene-coupled titanium oxide enabling ultra-fast sodium storage and long-term cycling

摘要

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a highly promising technology for large-scale energy storage applications. However, it remains a significant challenge to develop an anode with superior long-term cycling stability and high-rate capability. Here we demonstrate that the Na+ intercalation pseudocapacitance in TiO₂/graphene nanocomposites enables high-rate capability and long cycle life in a sodium-ion battery. This hybrid electrode exhibits a specific capacity of above 90?mA?h?g?1 at 12,000?mA?g?1 (～36?C). The capacity is highly reversible for more than 4,000 cycles, the longest demonstrated cyclability to date. First-principle calculations demonstrate that the intimate integration of graphene with TiO₂ reduces the diffusion energy barrier, thus enhancing the Na+ intercalation pseudocapacitive process. The Na-ion intercalation pseudocapacitance enabled by tailor-deigned nanostructures represents a promising strategy for developing electrode materials with high power density and long cycle life.