Synthesis and electrochemical characterisation of electrospun lithium titanate ultrafine fibres

The phase pure spinel lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) in the form of ultrafine fibre was synthesised by the combination of sol–gel and electrospinning techniques. The electrospinning process for the preparation of Li4Ti5O12 precursor was optimised to get bead-free fibrous mat with uniform thickness. Crystalline Li4Ti5O12 in the form of ultrafine fibre was synthesised by the calcination of the precursor at 800 °C in air for 4 h. The material was characterised by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and subsequently evaluated as an electrode active material using Li metal as a counter electrode. The material exhibited a first cycle specific capacity of 154 mAh g−1 with good rate capability and cyclability.