Electrospun Li4Ti5O12/C composites for lithium-ion batteries with high rate performance

Two types of Li4Ti5O12/C composites were synthesized through the electrospinning method. The first composite consists of Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles and aggregates coated by carbon and connected by carbon nanofibers. The second composite is constructed solely by Li4Ti5O12/C fibers. These two composites are denoted as Li4Ti5O12/C particles/fibers and Li4Ti5O12/C fibers, respectively. It is found that both composites show higher reversible capacities and better rate performance than commercial Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles. Comparing the two electrospun composites, Li4Ti5O12/C fibers exhibit higher reversible capacity, greater rate capacity, and smaller electrode polarization, indicating that Li4Ti5O12/C fibers have better kinetics than Li4Ti5O12/C particles/fibers due to the elimination of Li4Ti5O12 aggregates and the formation of carbon-based fiber structure.

► Li4Ti5O12/C particles/fibers and Li4Ti5O12/C fibers were synthesized by electrospinning.
► In Li4Ti5O12/C particles/fibers, Li4Ti5O12 particles are coated by carbon and connected by carbon nanofibers.
► Li4Ti5O12/C fibers eliminate the formation of Li4Ti5O12 aggregates and provide short pathways for both lithium ions and electrons.