Solid state rapid quenching method to synthesize micron size Li₄Ti₅O₁₂

Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ spinel has been synthesized by a new solid-state rapid quenching method adopting solid-state synthesis followed by quenching leading to stoichiometric phase pure micron size material. By simple freezing of the solid-state reaction occurring at 800 °C using ice cold medium, micron sized particulates are achieved. The powder has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, etc. By this synthesis uniform morphology has been attained and particle size of fine particulates of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ of an average size of 1–2 μm has been achieved. High rate characteristic and excellent cyclability are the highlights of newly synthesized material. Diffusion coefficient of Lithium has been evaluated and it is found to be 1.4 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm² s⁻¹. A maximum reversible lithium insertion capacity of 154 mAhg⁻¹ at 2 C rate has been achieved. Results are discussed in this paper.