Facile synthesis of nano-Li(4 )Ti(5)O(12 )for high-rate Li-ion battery anodes

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.