Comparison of different methods for Li2MTi3O8 (M – Co, Cu, Zn) synthesis

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDMesoporous powders of lithium titanates Li2MTi3O8 (M – Co, Cu, Zn) of spinel structure are promising as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries.RESULTSLi2MTi3O8 (M – Co, Cu, Zn) were obtained by the sol–gel method, using self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) from glycine–citrate–nitrate mixtures, and also by the SHS method from aqueous solutions. The crystal structure, phase composition, microstructure and dispersion of the obtained materials were studied.CONCLUSIONIt was established that the SHS method for the synthesis of lithium titanates has several advantages compared with the sol–gel method, including not requiring solvents, reduced aggregation of particles, a higher specific surface area and low bulk density of the obtained powders. The electrode obtained on the basis of Zn‐containing Li titanate by the SHS method from glycine–citrate–nitrate mixtures showed the highest charging capacity of 160 mAh g−1 and high cyclic stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).