A simple gel route to synthesize nano-Li4Ti5O12 as a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries

Nano-Li4Ti5O12 powders were synthesized by a simple gel route with acrylic acid, tetrabutyl titanate, and lithium nitrate as the precursors that were made into gels through thermal polymerization. The Li4Ti5O12 powders were obtained by calcination of the gels at 700, 750, and 800 °C. They were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of these nano-Li4Ti5O12 powders was examined with galvanostatic cell cycling. The average particle size of the 700-, 750-, and 800 °C-calcined powders is about 70, 120, and 400 nm, respectively. The 750 °C-calcined powder exhibits a high capacity of over 160 mAh/g after 100 cycles and a good rate capability with a capacity of 122 mAh/g even at 10C rate.