Abstract
Lithium titanate microspheres were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The specific surface area and average pore diameter of samples were studied by N2adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicated that amorphous phase changed to lithium titanium oxide hydrate, accompanying mesopores formed between agglomerated primary particles in hydrothermal reaction. After sintering, mesoporous Li4Ti5O12microspheres assembled by nanosized particle were obtained and had a diameter of about 400–700 nm. Then, a possible formation process analogous to the Kirkendall effect was proposed. Moreover, the effect of sintering temperature on the electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12microspheres was investigated.
Highlights
Lithium titanate has already become one of the most attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to the zero-strain insertion, high safety, and excellent cycle stability [1, 2]
LIBs based on Li4Ti5O12 anode material have been expected to be used in hybrid electric vehicles and sustainable energy storage [4, 5]
No diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern of Ta are found, indicating the amorphous nature, which is in accordance with the hydrolysis precipitate from TiCl4 or titanium tetraisopropoxide [28, 29]
Summary
Lithium titanate has already become one of the most attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to the zero-strain insertion, high safety, and excellent cycle stability [1, 2]. Doping with ions may deteriorate the structural stability and adding conductive agent may reduce the packing density of Li4Ti5O12 electrodes [7, 13]. Without these disadvantages, nanostructure may provide more active surface available for lithium insertion and shorter lithium diffusion length, which may improve the rate capability and reduce electrode polarization [14]. The obtained products have a wide size distribution and large secondary particle, which may deteriorate their electrochemical performance. The precursor was obtained by a controlled hydrolysis reaction and had a homogeneous particle size ranging from 400 to 700 nm. The formation process has been thoroughly characterized in order to obtain Li4Ti5O12 samples with a good electrochemical performance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
