Synthesis and electrochemical performance of nanodiamond supported Li4Ti5O12–Fe2O3 composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

•We synthesized nanodiamond supported Li4Ti5O12–Fe2O3.•The composites exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 280.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C.•The capacity retains 230.1 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles.•The composites exhibit better electrochemical properties than Li4Ti5O12.

The nanodiamond (ND) supported Li4Ti5O12–Fe2O3 (LTO–Fe–ND) composites were synthesized via a sol–gel method and sintering. The structure and electrochemical performance of the materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy system and electrochemical measurements. The surfaces of LTO–Fe–ND particles are covered with most of nano-sized ND particles. The LTO–Fe–ND composites exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 280.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and a retention capacity of 230.1 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles because of the support of Fe3+ and ND. The addition of Fe3+ and ND not only increases the capacity of LTO, but also improves the conductivity and cyclic ability of LTO.