A facial solvothermal reduction route for the production of Li4Ti5O12/graphene composites with enhanced electrochemical performance

A simple and scalable solution fabrication process preparing Li4Ti5O12/graphene anode material for lithium-ion batteries is the focus of this paper. The aforementioned graphene sheets are attached tightly to lithium titanate particles under the action of solvothermal treatments, which provide a highly conductive network for electron transportation. It is worth mentioning that the synthesis of graphene nanosheets from graphite oxide has been adapted to allow for a more cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and scalable production method. Electrochemical tests reveal that electrodes with a graphene content of 3 wt% present a Li-ion storage specific capacity of 184 mA h/g at 0.1 C, and the specific capacity maintains at 158 mA h/g even after 50 cycles. Moreover, spinel-type Li4Ti5O12 can also be fabricated via hydrothermal processes in a shorter time and at a lower temperature compared to solid-state synthesis. This low energy and environmentally friendly method of preparing Li4Ti5O12/graphene lends itself to a variety of applications, ranging from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles and energy storage devices.