Synthesis and electrochemical properties of lithium zinc titanate as an anode material for lithium ion batteries via microwave method

Lithium zinc titanate (Li2ZnTi3O8) anode material has been synthesized via a microwave method for the first time. The physical and electrochemical performances of the as-prepared sample are characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is found that the pristine Li2ZnTi3O8 obtained via the microwave method at 780 W for 10 min exhibits a typical cubic spinel structure with P4332 space group. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the Li2ZnTi3O8 anode material displayed a highly reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. The initial charge capacities of Li2ZnTi3O8 nanoparticles were 216.8 mA h g(-1), 197.4 mA h g(-1), 192.6 mA h g(-1), 174.5 mA h g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1), 100 mA g(-1), 300 mA g(-1) and 500 mA g(-1), respectively. After 50 cycles, charge capacities of 263.5 mA h g(-1), 234.8 mA h g(-1), 223.2 mA h g(-1) and 208.4 mA h g(-1) can be retained, with no significant capacity fading. This indicates that the microwave method has a great potential application in synthesizing Li2ZnTi3O8 anode materials for lithium ion batteries.