Facile synthesis of nano-Li4 Ti5O12 for high-rate Li-ion battery anodes

Abstract

Abstract One of the most promising anode materials for Li-ion batteries, Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , has attracted attention because it is a zero-strain Li insertion host having a stable insertion potential. In this study, we suggest two different synthetic processes to prepare Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 using anatase TiO 2 nanoprecursors. TiO 2 powders, which have extraordinarily large surface areas of more than 250 m 2 g -1 , were initially prepared through the urea-forced hydrolysis/precipitation route below 100°C. For the synthesis of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , LiOH and Li 2 CO 3 were added to TiO 2 solutions prepared in water and ethanol media, respectively. The powders were subsequently dried and calcined at various temperatures. The phase and morphological transitions from TiO 2 to Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of nanosized Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 was evaluated in detail by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. Furthermore, the high-rate performance and long-term cycle stability of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anodes for use in Li-ion batteries were discussed.