CTAB-assisted sol–gel synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 and its performance as anode material for Li-ion batteries

A simple CTAB-assisted sol–gel technique for synthesizing nano-sized Li4Ti5O12 with promising electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium ion battery is reported. The structural and morphological properties are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The electrochemical performance of both samples (with and without CTAB) calcined at 800 °C is evaluated using Swagelok™ cells by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling at room temperature. The XRD pattern for sample prepared in presence of CTAB and calcined at 800 °C shows high-purity cubic-spinel Li4Ti5O12 phase (JCPDS # 26-1198). Nanosized-Li4Ti5O12 calcined at 800 °C in presence of CTAB exhibits promising cycling performance with initial discharge capacity of 174 mAh g−1 (∼100% of theoretical capacity) and sustains a capacity value of 164 mAh g−1 beyond 30 cycles. By contrast, the sample prepared in absence of CTAB under identical reaction conditions exhibits initial discharge capacity of 140 mAh g−1 (80% of theoretical capacity) that fades to 110 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles.

Graphical abstractDischarge capacity versus cycle number of Li4Ti5O12 samples synthesized by (a) CTAB-assisted sol–gel and (b) normal sol–gel method.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► CTAB-assisted sol–gel route for the synthesis of nano-size Li4Ti5O12. ► CTAB directs the microstructure of the gels and helps to control the particle size of Li4Ti5O12. ► Li4Ti5O12 exhibits promising cycling performance with initial capacity of 174 mAh g−1 and sustains ∼94% beyond 30 cycles.