Carbon Nanotube Supported Li-Excess Cation-Disordered Li1.24Fe0.38Ti0.38O2 Cathode with Enhanced Lithium-Ion Storage Performance

The use of Li-excess approach can achieve efficient lithium ion storage of cation-disordered rock-salt cathode materials. However, their application is limited by poor intrinsic electronic conductivity and insufficient Li-ion diffusion. Herein, a carbon nanotube is incorporated in the Li-excess Li1.24Fe0.38Ti0.38O2 cathode material, resulting in the formation of refined Li1.24Fe0.38Ti0.38O2 nanoparticles that are well loaded in a continuous conductive network. This facilitates the charge transfer and ion diffusion in the cathode. The as-prepared Li1.24Fe0.38Ti0.38O2/carbon nanotube (LFT/CNT) cathode, therefore, delivers significantly enhanced rate capability with a reversible capacity of 108 mAh g(-1) after 200 cycles at 1 C compared to 36 mAh g(-1) of the as-prepared LFT cathode. The result of ex situ x-ray diffraction demonstrates the reversible and small lattice volume change of the LFT/CNT cathode during cycling.

Automated summary

Incorporating carbon nanotubes into Li-excess Li1.24Fe0.38Ti0.38O2 cathode material improves its conductivity and ion diffusion, leading to enhanced cycling stability and rate performance. The refined nanoparticles loaded in a conductive network facilitate charge transfer and ion diffusion in the cathode, resulting in improved reversible capacity and cycling stability.