Ru-doped Li4Ti5O12 anode materials for high rate lithium-ion batteries

Ruthenium doped nanostructured lithium titanates have been synthesized through a reverse microemulsion method with a subsequent sintering process. The as-prepared powders are characterized by the X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope techniques. The results indicate that a solid solution of Li4Ti5 − xRuxO12 is formed when x was less than 0.1. The electrochemical performances of the as-prepared materials are investigated in a potential range from 0.01 to 2.5 V by charge and discharge characterizations. In that, the as-prepared Li4Ti4.95Ru0.05O12 exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance. The specific discharge capacity remains as 131 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles even cycled at a large density of 17,500 mA g−1 (60 C-rate). While the current density decreases to be 875 mA g−1(3 C-rate), the corresponding specific discharge capacity is kept as high as 259 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles.

► Synthesis of Ru doped lithium titanate by a reverse microemulsion method.
► Ru doped lithium titanates had an excellent electrochemical performance.
► Ru doped lithium titanates remained high capacity under a large cycled rate.