Compositing SrLi2Ti6O14 with chemical deposited silver for enhancing lithium ion storage

Abstract

One of the main issues for titanium-based anode materials is their poor electronic conductivity and this issue can affect their rate performance. For conquering this drawback, many approaches have been proposed. In this report, SrLi2Ti6O14 as one of the titanium-based anode materials is prepared via a facile sol–gel method and subsequently it has been composited with silver to elevate its electronic conductivity. Upon the analysis of electrochemical results, the SrLi2Ti6O14/Ag composite with 6 wt% Ag can deliver an initial capacity of 164.9 mAh g−1. After 50 cycles, the sample can still retain 154.6 mAh g−1 with 93.8% retention of the first cycle. Meanwhile, the SrLi2Ti6O14/Ag composite with 6 wt% Ag can also exhibit good rate capacities, even at 300 mA g−1, its capacity can be firmly kept at 140.0 mAh g−1. In addition, in situ X-ray diffraction characterization shows the structural reversibility of the SrLi2Ti6O14/Ag composite with 6 wt% Ag during cycling. All the electrochemical results indicate that the SrLi2Ti6O14/Ag composite with 6 wt% Ag can be a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.