Improvement of rate capability of spinel lithium titanate anodes using microwave-assisted zinc nanocoating

► Microwave-assisted Zn layers onto Li4Ti5O12 crystals serves as superior anode materials. ► Microwave heating is capable of depositing Zn layers over the surface of spinel Li4Ti5O12 within 6 min. ► The thickness of Zn layer is an increasing function of zinc nitrate concentration. ► The deposition of Zn coating shows a positive effect on the rate-capability improvement of anodes.