Surface-fluorinated Li4Ti5O12 nanowires/reduced graphene oxide composite as a high-rate anode material for Lithium ion batteries

Abstract

The surface-fluorinated Li4Ti5O12 nanowires/reduced graphene oxide composite is synthesized through a hydrothermal procedure. Lithium ion transport is promoted by forming a special morphology of lithium titanate nanowires, meanwhile, electronic transmission is facilitated by surface fluorination and conductive network of graphene coating. These three kinds of synergistic effects greatly improve the rate performance of lithium titanate. The surface-fluorinated Li4Ti5O12 nanowires/reduced graphene oxide composite exhibits high specific capacities (167.5 mAh g−1 at 1 C and even 132.6 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and good cyclic stability (95% capacity remain after 300 cycles at 5 C). The influences of surface fluorination and graphene coating on electrochemical performance of lithium titanate are investigated in detail in terms of reversible capacity, cyclability and rate capability. Its excellent electrochemical properties make it become possible to be a potential anode material for high-rate lithium-ion batteries applied in high power facilities.