Bio-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles and the aqueous binder-based anode derived thereof for lithium-ion cells

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) are a promising anode material for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their good rate capability, low cost, non-toxicity, excellent structural stability, extended cycle life, and low volumetric change (∼4%) during the Li⁺ insertion/de-insertion process. In the present paper, anatase TiO₂-NPs with an average particle size of ~ 12 nm were synthesized via a green synthesis route using Beta vulgaris (Beetroot) extract, and the synthesized TiO₂-NPs were evaluated as anode material in LIBs. Furthermore, we employed an aqueous binder (1:1 mixture of carboxy methyl cellulose and styrene butadiene) for electrode processing, making the process cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The results revealed that the Li/TiO₂ half-cells delivered an initial discharge capacity of 209.7 mAh g⁻¹ and exhibited superior rate capability (149 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 C) and cycling performances. Even at the 5C rate, the material retained a capacity of 82.2% at the end of 100 cycles. The synthesis route of TiO₂-NPs and the aqueous binder-based electrode processing described in the present work are facile, green, and low-cost and are thus practically beneficial for producing low-cost and high-performance anodes for advanced LIBs.