Super-Small TiO2 Nanoparticles Homogeneously Embedded in Mesoporous Carbon Matrix Based on Dental Methacrylates and KOH Activation

Mesoporous TiO2/C nanohybrids with large specific surface area and well-defined pore size distribution are prepared by KOH activation treatment using dental resin monomers as solvent and carbon source. Super-small sized TiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in porous carbon to realize a significant improvement of the electrochemical properties. The morphology, BET specific surface area and pore size distribution are characterized by SEM, TEM and N-2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, respectively. The prepared mesoporous TiO2/C delivers a reversible capacity as high as 387 mAh/g after 100 discharge/charge cycles at 0.2 C current density (1 C=335 mA/g) in conjunction with a good rate capability (184, 70, and 92 mAh/g at 1, 2, and 5 C current densities, respectively)