Anatase-TiO2 nanocoating of Li4Ti5O12 nanorod anode for lithium-ion batteries

•TiO2-coated LTO was in-situ prepared via a microemulsion-assisted hydrothermal route.•Anatase-TiO2 coating layer enhances the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12.•The as-prepared sample presents high-rate capability and cyclic stability.

Li4Ti5O12 nanorod coated by anatase-TiO2 is in situ synthesized via a microemulsion-assisted hydrothermal method followed by heat treatment at 550 °C in air. Compared with pure Li4Ti5O12, Li4Ti5O12 nanorod coated by anatase-TiO2 presents much improved electrochemical characteristics in terms of high specific capacity, excellent rate capability and cyclic stability (96.0% of initial capacity at a current density of 1.75 A g−1 up to 100 cycles). Acting as a perfect nanocoating layer, anatase-TiO2 contributes some capacity and gives an enhanced performance to the Li4Ti5O12 electrode. All the results suggest that Li4Ti5O12 nanorod coated by anatase-TiO2 could be suitable for use as a high-rate anode material for lithium-ion batteries.