Introduction of 'lattice-voids' in high tap density TiO₂-B nanowires for enhanced high-rate and high volumetric capacity lithium storage

TiO₂-B nanowires with a high tap density, containing structural lattice voids within each nanowire, are prepared via a tailored hydrothermal-calcination route. These internal voids, formed by controlling the calcination temperature as clusters of vacant sites enable fast transport of lithium-ions within the lattice material, lead to enhanced high-rate performance of a TiO₂-B nanowire based electrode in a Li-ion battery. At a current density of 2000 mA g^-1, a high value of discharge capacity at 129.0 mA h g^-1 is retained after 80 cycles. Our results indicate that electrodes based on this nanowire material with 'lattice-void' structure and high tap density, meet the challenge of achieving a high-rate performance and a high volumetric density in Li-ion batteries.