Superior electrochemical performances of LiTi2 (PO4)3/C composite anode for aqueous lithium-ion battery

Aqueous rechargeable lithium battery has attracted widespread attention due to their environmental friendliness, long service life, and high safety. LiTi2(PO4)(3) anode exhibits a promising prospect considering its high structural stability and enhanced energy density. In this work, LiTi2(PO4)(3)/carbon composite has been synthesized by using folic acid as a superior carbon source. The high-quality carbon not only protects the electrode from corrosion but also increases its electrical conductivity. A series of composites with different carbon content were prepared, and the effectiveness of the assynthesized materials was further carried out systematically. Results show that the composite with a carbon content of 7.1% (LTP-F-2) exhibits the optimal electrochemical performance and a good stabilization mechanism. The discharge capacities of LTP-F-2 at 0.5, 4, and 15 C are 109, 108, and 95 mAh g(-1) , respectively, which are 33, 76, and 82 mAh g(-1) higher than those of pristine LiTi2(PO4)(3) (LTP). LTP-F-2 delivers the discharge capacity of 102 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 C after 100 cycles and 83 mAh(-1) at 6C after 1000 cycles. The capacity retention of LTP-F-2 at 6 C is 89.3% without significant corrosion on the electrode surface. Taking together, the result above reveals that folic acid-derived LiTi2(PO4)(3)/carbon composite is an excellent alternative anode material in aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries.

Automated summary

In this study, a LiTi2(PO4)(3)/carbon composite was successfully synthesized using folic acid as a carbon source, with the composite containing 7.1% carbon (LTP-F-2) showing the best electrochemical performance and stability mechanism. This composite delivered higher discharge capacities at various rates compared to pristine LiTi2(PO4)(3), demonstrating its potential as an excellent alternative anode material for aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries.