DOPED TITANIUM NIOBATE AND BATTERY

Abstract

Doped titanium niobate is provided, which has a chemical structure of Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z or Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z, wherein M1 is Li, Mg, or a combination thereof; M2 is Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr, or a combination thereof; Q is F, Cl, Br, I, S, or a combination thereof; 0x0.15; 0y0.15; 0.01z2; 0x0.3; 0y0.9; and 0.01z8.

Claims

1. Doped titanium niobate, having a chemical structure of: Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z or Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z, wherein M1 is Li, Mg, or a combination thereof; M2 is Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr, or a combination thereof; Q is F, Cl, Br, I, S, or a combination thereof; 0x0.15; 0y0.15; 0.01z2; 0x0.3; 0y0.9; and 0.01z8.

2. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 1, wherein Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z has a monoclinic lattice, and Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z has a ReO.sub.3.sup. type crystal structure.

3. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 1, being a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles.

4. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 3, wherein the porous structure has a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, the primary particles have a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, and the porous structure has a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

5. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 1, being a non-porous structure.

6. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 5, wherein the non-porous structure has a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

7. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 1, further mixing with lithium titanate to form a composite material, wherein the doped titanium niobate and the lithium titanate have a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10:90.

8. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 7, wherein surface of the lithium titanate is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride, wherein the carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the lithium titanate have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%.

9. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 7, wherein the surface of the composite material is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride, wherein the carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the composite material have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%.

10. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface of the doped titanium niobate is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride, wherein the carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the doped titanium niobate have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%.

11. A battery, comprising: a negative electrode; a positive electrode; and an electrolyte disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, wherein the negative electrode comprises doped titanium niobate, having a chemical structure of: Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z or Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z, wherein M1 is Li, Mg, or a combination thereof; M2 is Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr, or a combination thereof; Q is F, Cl, Br, I, S, or a combination thereof; 0x0.15; 0y0.15; 0.01z2; 0x0.3; 0y0.9; and 0.01z8.

12. The battery as claimed in claim 11, wherein Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z has a monoclinic lattice, and Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z has a ReO.sub.3.sup. type crystal structure.

13. The battery as claimed in claim 11, wherein the negative electrode further comprises lithium titanate, the lithium titanate and the doped titanium niobate are mixed to form a composite material, and the doped titanium niobate and the lithium titanate have a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10:90.

14. The battery as claimed in claim 13, wherein the surface of the lithium titanate is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride, wherein the carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the lithium titanate have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%.

15. The battery as claimed in claim 13, wherein the surface of the composite material is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride, wherein the carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the composite material have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%.

16. The doped titanium niobate as claimed in claim 11, wherein the surface of the doped titanium niobate is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride, wherein the carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the doped titanium niobate have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The disclosure can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a scanning electron microscope image of a porous structure composed of primary particles of doped titanium niobate material in Example 1 of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows curves of capacity versus voltage of the battery at different charge-discharge rates in Example 1 of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows curves of capacity versus voltage of the battery at different charge-discharge rates in Comparative Example 1 of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0026] One embodiment of the disclosure provides doped titanium niobate, having a chemical structure of: Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z or Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z, wherein M1 is Li, Mg, or a combination thereof; M2 is Fe, Mn, V, Ni, Cr, or a combination thereof; Q is F, Cl, Br, I, S, or a combination thereof; 0x0.15; 0y0.15; 0.01z2; 0x0.3; 0y0.9; and 0.01z8. In one embodiment, 0x0.05. In one embodiment, 0.05x0.15. In one embodiment, 0y0.03. In one embodiment, 0.03y0.1. In one embodiment, 0.1y0.15. In one embodiment, 0y0.25. In one embodiment, 0.25y0.9. Overly high x, y, x, or y may form impure phase (inactive phase), thereby reducing capacity per gram and charge-discharge rate performance. In one embodiment, 0.01z0.25. In one embodiment, 0.25z0.75. In one embodiment, 0.75z0.1. In one embodiment, 1z2. In one embodiment, 0.01z4. In one embodiment, 4z8. If z or z is too low, it may result in the doped titanium niobate has properties similar to those of the undoped titanium niobate. If z or z is too high, it may form impure phase (inactive phase), thereby reducing capacity per gram and charge-discharge rate performance. Obviously, the titanium niobate main body of the embodiments is TiNb.sub.2O.sub.7 or Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.10O.sub.29, in which Ti can be optionally doped with M1, Nb can be optionally doped with M2, and O must be doped with Q. The doped titanium niobate of different atomic ratios may have completely different lattice and corresponding properties, which should not be considered as being easily replaced.

[0027] In one embodiment, Ti.sub.(1-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(2-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(7-z)Q.sub.z has a monoclinic lattice, and Ti.sub.(2-x)M1.sub.xNb.sub.(10-y)M2.sub.yO.sub.(29-z)Q.sub.z has a ReO.sub.3.sup. type crystal structure. The doped titanium niobate of other lattice or amorphous structure may be improper to serve as the negative electrode material of lithium battery.

[0028] In some embodiments, the doped titanium niobate is a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles. For example, the porous structure has a median particle size (d.sub.50) of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, the primary particles have a median particle size (d.sub.50) of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, and the porous structure has a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer. If the particle size of the porous structure is either too large or too small, it may reduce the electrode plate density. If the size of the primary particles is too large, it may increase the conductive path of lithium ions and electrons, thereby increasing the conductive time and decreasing the charge-discharge rate performance. If the primary particles are too small, it may increase the specific surface area of the material, making the slurry difficult to mix and disperse, and therefore lowering the electrode plate density and uniformity. If the pore size of the porous structure is too large, it may reduce the electrode plate density. If the pore size of the porous structure is too small, it may cause an overly dense porous structure, making it difficult for the electrolyte liquid to penetrate into the porous structure and therefore reduce the electrochemical reaction area.

[0029] Alternatively, the doped titanium niobate is non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers. An overly large particle size of the non-porous structure may lower the electrode plate density, increase the conductive path of lithium ions and electrons, and increase the conductive time to decrease the charge-discharge rate performance. An overly small particle size of the non-porous structure may increase the specific surface area of the material, making the slurry difficult to mix and disperse, and therefore lowering the electrode plate density and uniformity.

[0030] The morphology of the porous structure or the non-porous structure is mainly the result of differences in the processing. For example, niobate oxide, titanium oxide, optional M1 source, optional M2 source, and Q source can be added into a solvent containing dispersant, and completely mixed for 8 to 24 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The slurry is then pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. In one embodiment, the suitable dispersant can be polyvinyl alcohol or commercial available BYK190. In one embodiment, the suitable solvent can be de-ionized water. The precursor powder is sintered at 900 C. to 1200 C. for 8 hours to 15 hours to form a porous structure of Q doped titanium niobate (optionally doped with M1 and/or M2).

[0031] On the other hand, niobate oxide, titanium oxide, optional M1 source, optional M2 source, and Q source can be added into a solvent containing dispersant, then ball-milled and dispersed 8 to 24 hours to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder is sintered at 900 C. to 1200 C. for 8 hours to 15 hours to obtain a non-porous structure of Q doped titanium niobate (optionally doped with M1 and/or M2).

[0032] In addition, niobate oxide, titanium oxide, optional M1 source, and optional M2 source can be added into a solvent containing dispersant, and completely mixed for 8 to 24 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The slurry is then pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder is sintered at 900 C. to 1200 C. for 8 hours to 15 hours to form titanium niobate (optionally doped with M1 and/or M2). Subsequently, the titanium niobate is uniformly mixed with Q source, and then sintered at 350 C. to 750 C. for 2 hours to 5 hours to obtain a porous structure of Q doped titanium niobate (optionally doped with M1 and/or M2).

[0033] On the other hand, niobate oxide, titanium oxide, optional M1 source, and optional M2 source can be added into a solvent containing dispersant, then ball-milled and dispersed 8 to 24 hours to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder is sintered at 900 C. to 1200 C. for 8 hours to 15 hours to form titanium niobate (optionally doped with M1 and/or M2). Subsequently, the titanium niobate is uniformly mixed with Q source, and then sintered at 350 C. to 750 C. for 2 hours to 5 hours to obtain a non-porous structure of Q doped titanium niobate (optionally doped with M1 and/or M2).

[0034] In some embodiments, the surface of the doped titanium niobate can be further coated with carbon, oxide, or fluoride to inhibit gas generation reaction. For example, the oxide can be aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, or zinc oxide, and the fluoride can be aluminum fluoride. In some embodiments, carbon, oxide, or fluoride and doped titanium niobate have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%. If the ratio of carbon, oxide, or fluoride is too high, it may form an overly thick wrapping layer, thereby hindering insertion and extraction of the lithium ions.

[0035] Alternatively, the doped titanium niobate can be mixed with lithium titanate (doped or undoped) to form a composite material for improving charging-discharging rate performance of the negative electrode and lowering cost. In some embodiments, the doped titanium niobate and the lithium titanate have a weight ratio of 90:10 to 10:90. If the lithium titanate amount is too low, its effect will be similar to the effect without lithium titanate. If the lithium titanate amount is too high, it may overly reduce the capacity per gram of the composite material. For example, the undoped lithium titanate has a chemical structure of Li.sub.4Ti.sub.5O.sub.a, and 8a12.

[0036] In some embodiments, surface of lithium titanate can be further covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride to inhibit gas generation reaction. For example, the oxide can be aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, or zinc oxide, and the fluoride can be aluminum fluoride. In some embodiments, carbon, oxide, or fluoride and lithium titanate have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%. An overly high ratio of carbon, oxide, or fluoride may form an overly thick wrapping layer, thereby hindering insertion and extraction of the lithium ions.

[0037] In some embodiments, the surface of the composite material is covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride to inhibit gas generation reaction. For example, the oxide can be aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, or zinc oxide, and the fluoride can be aluminum fluoride. In some embodiments, carbon, oxide, or fluoride and the composite material have a weight ratio of greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5%. An overly high ratio of carbon, oxide, or fluoride may form an overly thick wrapping layer, thereby hindering insertion and extraction of the lithium ions.

[0038] The method of wrapping carbon, oxide, or fluoride on the surface of the doped titanium niobate, the lithium titanate, or the composite material may be found in the Journal of Power Sources, Vol. 196, Issue 18, 2011, P. 7763-7766. In the embodiments of the composite material, the surface of the doped titanium niobate, the surface of the lithium titanate, or the surface of both can be covered with the carbon, oxide, or fluoride, and then mixed to form the composite material. On the other hand, the doped titanium niobate and lithium titanate can be mixed to form a composite material, and surface of the composite material can be then covered with carbon, oxide, or fluoride.

[0039] In one embodiment, the doped titanium niobate or the composite material can be used in the negative electrode of the battery. For example, the battery may include a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, in which the negative electrode includes the described doped titanium niobate or the composite material. In addition, the negative electrode may further include electrically conductive carbon black, binder, or other suitable composition. In some embodiments, the positive electrode may include lithium cobaltate, lithium nickelate, lithium manganate, ternary positive electrode material, lithium iron phosphate, lithium iron manganese phosphate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte can be classified as being in a liquid state, a gel state, and a solid state. The liquid state electrolyte is composed of lithium salt and solvent (or ionic liquid). Typical lithium salt can be LiPF.sub.6, LiAsF.sub.6, LiClO.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiTFSI, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3, or the like. Typical solvent can be cyclic carbonate (e.g. ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate), linear carbonate (e.g. dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate), or ether compound (e.g. dimethyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane), or the like. The solid state electrolyte can be classified as polymer, glass, ceramic, and the like. On the other hand, the negative electrode can be assembled with lithium metal positive electrode and typical electrolyte liquid to form a half-cell to measure the performance of the negative electrode containing the doped titanium niobate.

[0040] Below, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings so as to be easily realized by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art. The inventive concept may be embodied in various forms without being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Descriptions of well-known parts are omitted for clarity, and like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0041] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, and then completely mixed for 18 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The uniformly dispersed slurry was pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6.75F.sub.0.25. The fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6.75F.sub.0.25 had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by X-ray diffraction). The fluorine doped titanium niobate material was a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles, and its SEM image is shown in FIG. 1. The primary particles had a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, the porous structure had a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, and the porous structure had a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

[0042] 85 parts by weight of the fluorine doped titanium niobate, 6 parts by weight of KS4 (commercially available from TIMCAL TIMREX), 4 parts by weight of Super P (commercially available from TIMCAL TIMREX), and 5 parts by weight of PVDF (commercially available from Solef) were uniformly mixed to prepare a paste, and the paste was then coated on aluminum foil to form a coating layer with a thickness less than 150 micrometers. The coating layer was rolled by a rolling machine to have 65% original thickness, thereby forming a negative electrode plate. The negative electrode plate was cut to a circle shape with a diameter of 12 mm. The circular negative electrode plate, a lithium metal positive electrode plate, and electrolyte were assembled to form CR2032 half-cell to test its electrochemical properties. The electrolyte composition was 1M LiPF.sub.6 solution, and the solvent was ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (EC:DMC=1:2, v/v). FIG. 2 shows curves of capacity versus voltage of the battery at different charge-discharge rates. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 2

[0043] Niobium oxide and titanium oxide of stoichiometric ratio were added to de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, and then completely mixed for 18 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The uniformly dispersed slurry was pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain titanium niobate. The titanium niobate and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were uniformly mixed and then sintered at 450 C. for 5 hours to obtain fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6.75F0.sub..25. The fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6.75F0.sub..25 had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine doped titanium niobate material was a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles had a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, the porous structure had a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, and the porous structure had a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

[0044] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 2 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 2 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 3

[0045] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, and then completely mixed for 18 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The uniformly dispersed slurry was pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.1.9Fe.sub.0.1O.sub.6.25F.sub.0.75. The fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.1.9Fe.sub.0.1O.sub.6.25F.sub.0.75 had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material was a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles had a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, the porous structure had a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, and the porous structure had a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

[0046] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 3 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material in Example 3 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 4

[0047] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to ethanol, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1000 C. for 18 hours to obtain fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6F. The fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6F had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0048] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 4 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 4 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 5

[0049] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to ethanol, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1000 C. for 18 hours to obtain fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6F. The fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6F had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers. 20 g of the sintered fluorine doped titanium niobate material and 0.6 g of glucose were added to 50 g of de-ionized water to be stirred 24 hours, and then baking dried and put into a crucible to be sintered at 700 C. under nitrogen for 6 hours, thereby forming a carbon film wrapping the non-porous structure of the fluorine doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.6F.

[0050] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 5 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine doped titanium niobate material covered with the carbon film in Example 5 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates. The above treatment (carbon film) may inhibit the gas generation reaction of the lithium battery.

Example 6

[0051] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and magnesium fluoride of stoichiometric ratio were added to ethanol, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain fluorine and magnesium doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.0.95Mg.sub.0.05Nb.sub.2O.sub.6.9F.sub.0.1. The fluorine and magnesium doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.0.95Mg.sub.0.05Nb.sub.2O.sub.6.9F.sub.0.1 had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine and magnesium doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0052] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 6 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine and magnesium doped titanium niobate material in Example 6 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 7

[0053] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, chromium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added into de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.1.97Cr.sub.0.03O.sub.6.9F.sub.0.1. The fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.1.97Cr.sub.0.03O.sub.6.9F.sub.0.1 had monoclinic lattice (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0054] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 7 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material in Example 7 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Comparative Example 1

[0055] Niobium oxide and titanium oxide of stoichiometric ratio were added to de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, and then completely mixed for 18 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The uniformly dispersed slurry was pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.7. The titanium niobate material was a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles had a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, the porous structure had a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, and the porous structure had a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

[0056] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Comparative Example 1 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the titanium niobate material in Comparative Example 1 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. FIG. 3 shows curves of capacity versus voltage of the battery at different charge-discharge rates. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Comparative Example 2

[0057] Niobium oxide and titanium oxide of stoichiometric ratio were added to de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, and then completely mixed for 18 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The uniformly dispersed slurry was pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours and then sintered at 450 C. for 5 hours to obtain titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.7. The titanium niobate material was a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles had a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, the porous structure had a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, and the porous structure had a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

[0058] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Comparative Example 2 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the titanium niobate material in Comparative Example 2 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Comparative Example 3

[0059] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxide of stoichiometric ratio were added to de-ionized water containing dispersant PVA BP-05, and then completely mixed for 18 hours to obtain a uniformly dispersed slurry. The uniformly dispersed slurry was pelletized by spray drying to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain iron doped titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.1.9Fe.sub.0.1O.sub.7. The iron doped titanium niobate material was a porous structure composed of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles had a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 5 micrometers, the porous structure had a median particle size of 0.3 micrometers to 60 micrometers, and the porous structure had a pore size of 50 nanometers to 1 micrometer.

[0060] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Comparative Example 3 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the iron doped titanium niobate material in Comparative Example 3 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Comparative Example 4

[0061] Niobium oxide and titanium oxide of stoichiometric ratio were added to ethanol, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1150 C. for 12 hours to obtain titanium niobate material TiNb.sub.2O.sub.7. The titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.01 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0062] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Comparative Example 4 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the titanium niobate material in Comparative Example 4 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 1 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Capacity at Capacity at Capacity at Capacity at 0.2 C 1 C 6 C 12 C (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (mAh/g) Example 1 280.95 254.79 193.47 127.47 Example 2 227.85 190.18 138.0 97.0 Example 3 226.30 194.19 145.58 113.30 Example 4 255.35 227.28 179.46 141.95 Example 5 256 215 165 130 Example 6 256.33 214.88 155.94 106.55 Example 7 242.13 213.11 148.372 100.30 Comparative 206.24 158.06 80.17 43.02 Example 1 Comparative 235.33 191.18 128.49 77.31 Example 2 Comparative 214.07 177.12 116.28 46.40 Example 3 Comparative 219.06 183.85 127.21 85.88 Example 4

[0063] Accordingly, the fluorine doped titanium niobate serving as the negative electrode of the battery could provide a higher capacity than the titanium niobate serving as the negative electrode of the battery.

Comparative Example 5

[0064] Niobium oxide and titanium oxide of stoichiometric ratio were added to ethanol, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1100 C. for 16 hours to obtain titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.10O.sub.29. The titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.1 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0065] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Comparative Example 5 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the titanium niobate material in Comparative Example 5 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 2 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 8

[0066] Niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to ethanol, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1000 C. for 12 hours to obtain fluorine doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.10O.sub.25F.sub.4. The fluorine doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.10O.sub.25F.sub.4 had a ReO.sub.3.sup. type crystal structure (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.1 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0067] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 8 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 8 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 2 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 9

[0068] Chromium oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to acetic acid, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1200 C. for 10 hours to obtain fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.9.75Cr.sub.0.25O.sub.25F.sub.4. The fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.9.75Cr.sub.0.25O.sub.25F.sub.4 had a ReO.sub.3.sup. type crystal structure (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.1 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0069] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 9 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material in Example 9 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 2 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

Example 10

[0070] Iron oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, and fluorine source (NH.sub.4F) of stoichiometric ratio were added to acetic acid, ball-milled for 24 hours, and then sieved to obtain precursor powder. The precursor powder was put into a crucible and sintered at 1200 C. for 10 hours to obtain fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.9.75Fe.sub.0.25O.sub.25F.sub.4. The fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material Ti.sub.2Nb.sub.9.75Fe.sub.0.25O.sub.25F.sub.4 had a ReO.sub.3.sup. type crystal structure (confirmed by XRD). The fluorine and chromium doped titanium niobate material was a non-porous structure with a median particle size of 0.1 micrometers to 10 micrometers.

[0071] Subsequently, a CR2032 half-cell was prepared in the same way as described in Example 1, and the difference in Example 10 was the negative electrode plate utilizing the fluorine and iron doped titanium niobate material in Example 10 rather than the fluorine doped titanium niobate material in Example 1. Table 2 shows the capacity of the battery at different charge-discharge rates.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Capacity at Capacity at Capacity at Capacity at 0.2 C 1 C 6 C 12 C (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (mAh/g) Comparative 225.08 185.63 115.64 52.47 Example 5 Example 8 245.61 198.59 133.67 77.25 Example 9 244.73 206.9 153.69 105.7 Example 10 253.64 202.79 142.84 106.08

[0072] Accordingly, the fluorine doped titanium niobate serving as the negative electrode of the battery could provide a higher capacity than the titanium niobate serving as the negative electrode of the battery.

[0073] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed methods and materials. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.