Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12

The spinel compound Li4Ti5O12 was synthesized by a solid state method. In this synthesizing process, anatase TiO2 and Li2CO3 were used as reactants. The influences of reaction temperature and calcination time on the properties of products were studied. When calcination temperature was 750 °C and calcination temperature was 24 h, the products exhibited good electrochemical properties. Its discharge capacity reached 160 mAh g−1 and its capacity retention was 97% at the 50th cycle when the current rate was 1 C. When current rate increased to 10 C, its first discharge capacity could reach 136 mAh g−1, and its capacity retention was 85% at the 50th cycle.

► An easy solid state method was used to synthesize Li4Ti5O12.
► The product exhibited excellent electrochemical performances.
► For example, the capacities were 134 and 126 mAh g−1 at 5 and 10 °C, respectively.
► The synthesizing conditions were discussed.
► It provides some useful references for synthesizing Li4Ti5O12.