TiO(2) Nanotube Layers Decorated with Al(2)O(3)/MoS(2)/Al(2)O(3) as Anode for Li-ion Microbatteries with Enhanced Cycling Stability

TiO(2) nanotube layers (TNTs) decorated with Al(2)O(3)/MoS(2)/Al(2)O(3) are investigated as a negative electrode for 3D Li-ion microbatteries. Homogenous nanosheets decoration of MoS(2), sandwiched between Al(2)O(3) coatings within self-supporting TNTs was carried out using atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of the Al(2)O(3)/MoS(2)/Al(2)O(3)-decorated TNTs were studied using scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and chronopotentiometry. Al(2)O(3)/MoS(2)/Al(2)O(3)-decorated TNTs deliver an areal capacity almost three times higher than that obtained for MoS(2)-decorated TNTs and as-prepared TNTs after 100 cycles at 1C. Moreover, stable and high discharge capacity (414 µAh cm(−2)) has been obtained after 200 cycles even at very fast kinetics (3C).