Yang, Jingling Wu, Qili Yang, Xianfeng He, Shiman Khan, Javid Meng, Yuying Zhu, Xiuming Tong, Shengfu Wu, Mingmei Chestnut-Like TiO<sub>2</sub>@α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> Core–Shell Nanostructures with Abundant Interfaces for Efficient and Ultralong Life Lithium-Ion Storage Transition metal oxides caused much attention owing to the scientific interests and potential applications in energy storage systems. In this study, a free-standing three-dimensional (3D) chestnut-like TiO<sub>2</sub>@α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> core–shell nanostructure (TFN) is rationally synthesized and utilized as a carbon-free electrode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Two new interfaces between anatase TiO<sub>2</sub> and α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> are observed and supposed to provide synergistic effect. The TiO<sub>2</sub> microsphere framework significantly improves the mechanical stability, while the α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> provides large capacity. The abundant boundary structures offer the possibility for interfacial lithium storage and electron transport. The as-prepared TFN delivers a high capacity of 820 mAh g<sup>–1</sup> even after 1000 continuous cycles with a Coulombic efficiency of ca. 99% at a current of 500 mA g<sup>–1</sup>, which is better than the works reported previously. A thin gel-like SEI (solid electrolyte interphase) film and Fe<sup>0</sup> phase yielded during charge/discharge cycling have been confirmed which makes it possible to alleviate the volumetric change and enhance the electronic conductivity. This confirmation is helpful for understanding the mechanism of lithium-ion storage in α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-based materials. The as-prepared free-standing TFN with excellent stability and high capacity can be an appropriate candidate for carbon-free anode material in LIBs. LIB;boundary structures offer;Ultralong Life Lithium-Ion Storage Transition metal oxides;as-prepared TFN;α- Fe 2 O 3;Fe 0 phase;gel-like SEI;anatase TiO 2;carbon-free electrode;Abundant Interfaces;electrolyte interphase;TiO 2 microsphere framework;capacity;lithium storage;Coulombic efficiency;carbon-free anode material;electron transport;lithium-ion storage;energy storage systems;lithium-ion batteries 2016-12-15
    https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Chestnut-Like_TiO_sub_2_sub_-Fe_sub_2_sub_O_sub_3_sub_Core_Shell_Nanostructures_with_Abundant_Interfaces_for_Efficient_and_Ultralong_Life_Lithium-Ion_Storage/4503122
10.1021/acsami.6b12150.s001