Construction of self-supported TiO2 nanotube arrays with hybrid point defect engineering: A bifunctional anode for Li+/Na+ storage

Point defect engineering has garnered widespread application for enhancing the dynamic behavior of anode materials and improving electrochemical performance. Herein, a hybrid point defect strategy is proposed in Ti-based oxide materials to achieve N doping induced oxygen vacancies (OVs) and subsequently accelerated electron mobility and perform better diffusion kinetics. This methodology culminates in the fabrication of self-supported nanotube arrays comprising N-doped OVs-rich TiO 2 (denoted as N-TNTs). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electrochemical characterizations validate that, hybrid point defects lead to high electron mobility and perform better diffusion kinetics, as well as higher Li + /Na + ions adsorption energy barrier and diffusion energy barrier, which in turn improves the rate performance and cycling stability. This research provides a forward-looking and feasible strategy for the application of point defect engineering in anode materials.