Novel Li4Ti5O12/Sn nano-composites as anode material for lithium ion batteries

Research highlights: {yields} It is a novel attempt on nano composites involving Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} and Sn to use as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. {yields} Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} was obtained by a solid state route and nano-Sn particles were derived from a chemical reduction process. {yields} These materials are characterized for their physical and electrochemical characteristics. {yields} Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}/Sn composite delivers stable and enhanced discharge capacity of 200mAhg{sup -1} and does not exhibit any irreversible capacity. {yields} The present investigation brings out novel high performing composites for lithium ion battery -- Abstract: Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}/Sn nano-composites have been prepared as anode material for lithium ion batteries by high-energy mechanical milling method. Structure of the samples has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which reveals the formation of phase-pure materials. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) suggests that the primary particles are around 100 nm size. The local environment of the metal cations is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms that titanium is present in Ti{sup 4+} state. The electrochemical properties have been evaluated by galvanostatic charge/discharge studies. Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}/Sn-10% compositemore » delivers stable and enhanced discharge capacity of 200 mAh g{sup -1} indicates that the electrochemical performance of Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}/Sn nano-composites is associated with the size and distribution of the Sn particles in the Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} matrix. The smaller the size and more homogeneous dispersion of Sn particles in the Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} matrix exhibits better cycling performance of Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12}/Sn composites as compared to bare Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} and Sn particles. Further, Li{sub 4}Ti{sub 5}O{sub 12} provides a facile microstructure to fairly accommodate the volume expansion during the alloying and dealloying of Sn with lithium.« less