Preparation, characterization, and electrochemical performances of carbon-coated TiO2 anatase

Several carbon-coated anatase TiO2 samples have been prepared by impregnation with lactose as carbon precursor and annealed at different temperatures (650 and 700 °C). X-ray diffraction was carried out to study the anatase to rutile phase transition and to evaluate the crystallite size. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to evaluate the morphology, and transmission electron microscopy was used to show the distribution and nature of the carbon coating. The galvanostatic measurements and cyclic voltammetry revealed better kinetics, cycling stability, and high rate capacity for the carbon-coated materials when compared with the noncoated ones.