Low-temperature synthesis of nano-micron Li4Ti5O12 by an aqueous mixing technique and its excellent electrochemical performance

We demonstrate an aqueous mixing technique to synthesize nano-micron Li4Ti5O12 by spray drying followed by solid-state calcination. The as-prepared materials are characterized by XRD, TG–DTA, SEM, TEM and electrochemical measurements. Well-crystallized Li4Ti5O12 with no impurity can be obtained at a relatively low calcined temperature (650 °C) owing to the effect of nanoscale and uniform particles. Because of the rough and porous nano-micron spherical particles, the obtained Li4Ti5O12 shows excellent rate capability and cycle ability. The initial discharge capacities are 174.8, 170.5, 167.5, 165.3, 158.2, 152.1, 130.9 and 111.9 mAh g−1 at the 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 C rates, respectively. After 100 cycles, the as-prepared Li4Ti5O12 retains 99.6%, 96.9%, 98.8%, 89.3%, 90.4% and 89.0% of its initial discharge capacities at the 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 C rates, respectively.

► We propose a novel aqueous mixing technique to synthesize nano-micron Li4Ti5O12.
► The as-prepared material can be obtained at relatively low calcined temperature.
► The Li4Ti5O12 is well-crystallized, rough and porous nano-micron spherical particles.
► The obtained Li4Ti5O12 shows excellent rate capability and cycle ability.
► The excellent electrochemical performance may make it attractive for large applications.