An in situ and ex situ TEM study into the oxidation of titanium (IV) sulphide

Abstract

TiS2 oxidation: moisture is the critical element preventing environmental stability The degradation dynamics of TiS2 reveal that the flakes oxidise in water and atmosphere, pointing towards moisture as the key driving force. A team led by Valeria Nicolosi at Trinity College Dublin used advanced electron microscopy techniques to investigate the influence of different environments on the deterioration pathways of TiS2, a promising candidate for future energy storage applications. By comparing the effect of ex-situ oxidation by water and oxygen at room temperature, and in-situ oxidation at high temperatures, water was proven to effectively oxidise the TiS2 flakes from the edges thereby forming an amorphous oxide phase. Conversely, the degradation was found to proceed more slowly in atmosphere or vacuum conditions. These results suggest that TiS2 oxidation could be avoided in a desiccated environment that would prevent water molecules from dissociating in reactive ionic species.