A simple gel route to synthesize nano-Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ as a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries

Nano-Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ powders were synthesized by a simple gel route with acrylic acid, tetrabutyl titanate, and lithium nitrate as the precursors that were made into gels through thermal polymerization. The Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ powders were obtained by calcination of the gels at 700, 750, and 800 °C. They were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of these nano-Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ powders was examined with galvanostatic cell cycling. The average particle size of the 700-, 750-, and 800 °C-calcined powders is about 70, 120, and 400 nm, respectively. The 750 °C-calcined powder exhibits a high capacity of over 160 mAh/g after 100 cycles and a good rate capability with a capacity of 122 mAh/g even at 10C rate.