Gd doped single-crystalline Li4Ti5O12/TiO2 nanosheets composites as superior anode material in lithium ion batteries

Spinel Li4Ti5O12 has been thought as one of ideal anode materials for Li ion batteries due to its safety performance and long cycle life, while the low conductivity and Li-ion diffusion capability has limited its application. To improve the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12, Gd-doped single-crystalline Li4Ti5O12/TiO2 (rutile phase) nanosheets composites in this study was prepared via a solvothermal synthesis assisted method. It is found that the as prepared doped dual phases composites showed superior electrochemical performance as anode material. At a current density of 0.2 A/g (1.14 C), the Gd-LTO/TiO2 electrode can deliver a specific capacity of ∼180.2 mAh/g, and it can deliver a specific capacity as high as ∼111.1 mAh/g even at current density of 20 A/g (114.3 C). The introduction of Gd ion has been found to play a crucial role in improving the electrochemical performance, and its introduction modifies the morphology of as prepared sample at the same time.