Nanosphere-Decorated Tunable Anatase Titania Conic Self-Assemblies

The evolution of morphology has been a key parameter to modify electronic and physical properties of functional materials. For anatase titania, most research has been focused on tubular and/or mesoporous shapes. In this report, we note our findings of cone-shaped anatase titania self-assemblies grown by anodic oxidation. These individual anatase TiO2 cones are constructed from numerous titania nanospheres. The variation in morphology (base diameter and height) is controlled by varying the electrolyte, the concentration of fluoride, and the applied voltage. The crystallization of the anatase phase and the enlarged surface area is confirmed by various spectroscopic methods (FE-SEM, EDS, and TEM). Through controlling the enhanced surface area and the well-ordered ion passage, the Li+ diffusion rate significantly increases and leads to reversibility (charge–discharge cycle). The CV and EIS results imply structurally modified titania conic self-assemblies which can be a potential lithium intercalation template