Carbon-coated lithium titanium phosphate nanoporous microplates with superior electrochemical performance

In this study, we report a facile method to synthesize carbon-coated LiTi2(PO4)3 nanoporous microplates (LTP/C MPs) using ethylenediamine as the chelating agent and carbon source. The as-prepared LTP/C MPs with thickness of 0.4 μm consist of interconnected nanosized particles embedded in nano-thickness carbon layer and well-dispersed nanopores. The carbon layer significantly improves the electrochemical performance of LiTi2(PO4)3 microplates. LTP/C MPs deliver a reversible capacity of 121 mAh g−1 at 0.2C (1C = 138 mAh g−1) and show a remarkable capacity retention of 94.2% over 100 cycles when matched with Li metal counter electrode. It also presents excellent electrochemical properties as anode material for aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries (ARLBs). LTP/C MPs//LiMn2O4 ARLB shows a high discharge capacity of 76 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and superior rate capability. The results suggest a practical stratagem to develop a novel composite in which the carbon is coated with LiTi2(PO4)3 nanoporous microplates, which can become one of the promising electrode materials for both non-aqueous and aqueous lithium ion batteries.