Synthesis of nano-Li4Ti5O12 decorated on non-oxidized carbon nanotubes with enhanced rate capability for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this study, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles (15–20 nm) uniformly decorated on non-oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for use as the anode material in Li-ion batteries. In the newly designed microwave solvothermal synthesis, the CNTs were used to selectively heat a substrate for facilitating the preferential precipitation of nanoparticles. The resulting sample delivered a reversible capacity of 172 mA h g−1 at 1 C-rate and showed remarkable rate capability by maintaining 60% of the capacity at 60 C-rate (vs. 1 C-rate).