Retracted Article: Black mesoporous anatase TiO2 nanoleaves: a high capacity and high rate anode for aqueous Al-ion batteries

Abstract

Black mesoporous anatase TiO₂ nanoleaves with an electro-conducting trivalent Ti have been successfully synthesized via a facile solution plasma process and their electrochemical aluminum storage performance in Al(NO₃)₃ aqueous solution is investigated. The unique structure and highly extraordinary electro-conducting physical properties of the as-formed black mesoporous anatase TiO₂ nanoleaves facilitates aluminum ion diffusion and electronic transport. Meanwhile, the bulk intercalation of aluminum ions was accompanied by the phenomenon of interfacial aluminum ion storage in the black mesoporous anatase TiO₂ nanoleaves. As a result, they not only exhibit a sustained high aluminum storage performance 278.1 mA h g⁻¹ (corresponding to Al_0.27TiO₂) at a current density of 0.05 A g⁻¹, but also exhibit an excellent rate capability (141.3 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 2.0 A g⁻¹) with excellent cycling stability. The as-prepared black mesoporous anatase TiO₂ nanoleaves electrode is promising for secondary aqueous battery applications with high power and energy densities.