Carbon coated Li4Ti5O12 nanorods as superior anode material for high rate lithium ion batteries

We describe a novel approach for the synthesis of carbon coated Li4Ti5O12 (Li4Ti5O12/C) nanorods for high rate lithium ion batteries. The carbon coated TiO2 nanotubes using the glucose as carbon source are first synthesized by hydrothermal treatment. The commercial anatase TiO2 powder is immersed in KOH sulotion and subsequently transforms into Li4Ti5O12/C in LiOH solution under hydrothermal condition. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption and Raman spectra are performed to characterize their morphologies and structures. Compared with the pristine Li4Ti5O12, one-dimensional (1D) Li4Ti5O12/C nanostructures show much better rate capability and cycling stability. The 1D Li4Ti5O12/C architectures effectively restrict the particle growth and enhance their electronic conductivity, enabling fast ion and electron transport.