Spinel LiCrTiO4 fibers as an advanced anode material in high performance lithium ion batteries

Spinel LiCrTiO4 fibers are prepared by combining the sol–gel chemistry and electrospinning technique, and investigated as an anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The structure and morphology are characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. These results reveal that the LiCrTiO4 fibers have an average diameter of 150 nm, and the individual fiber is composed of uniform nanoparticles with an average diameter of 63.5 nm. Electrochemical evaluation indicates that as-prepared LiCrTiO4 has a high specific discharge capacity of 290 mAh g− 1 after 50 cycles at 100 mA g− 1. At even the high current density of 10,000 mA g− 1, the reversible capacity of LiCrTiO4 fibers is around 147 mAh g− 1.

► A simple electrospinning method has been developed to fabricate LiCrTiO4 fibers.
► LiCrTiO4 fibers as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
► A stable capacity of over 290 mAh g− 1 is achieved after 50 cycles at 100 mA g− 1.
► LiCrTiO4 anode exhibits good cycle performance and high rate capability.