Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 composite anode material for lithium-ion batteries

In an effort to improve the rate-capability of Li4Ti5O12 anode material, a dual-phase composite Li4Ti5O12 -TiO2 is in situ prepared via a solvothermal route. The Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 composite shows higher reversible capacity and better rate-capability compared to single phase Li4Ti5O12. The TiO2 can decrease significantly the particle size of Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 powders due to a steric hindrance effect, which thereby shortens the lithium ion diffusion distance and enhances the electrode reaction. Meanwhile, anatase TiO2 can contribute some capacity to the Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 electrode. Coating the Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 composite with carbon (similar to 2.5 wt.%) can further improve the rate-capability of Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 electrode, a reversible capacity of similar to 140 mA h g(-1) is maintained after 100 cycles at 5 C. 0 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.