TiO₂ Fibers: Tunable Polymorphic Phase Transformation and Electrochemical Properties

A series of one-dimensional (1 D) nanoparticle-assembled TiO2 fibers with tunable polymorphs were prepared via a novel and large scale ForceSpinning process of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) precursor fibers followed with a thermal treatment at various calcination temperatures. The thermal and structural transformations were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The influence of polymorphic phase of the TiO2 fibers on the electrochemical performance in neutral aqueous 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte was investigated. The polymorphic amorphous/anatase/rutile TiO2 fibers prepared at 450 degrees C achieved a highest capacitance of 21.2 F g(-1) (6.61 mF cm(-2)) at a current density of 200 mA g(-1), for which the improved electronic conductivity and activated pseudocapacitance mechanism may be responsible. This work helps bridge the gap between nanoscience and manufacturing. It also makes polymorphism control of functional materials a potential strategy for further improving supercapacitive output of metal oxides.