LiTi2(PO4)3@carbon/graphene hybrid as superior anode materials for aqueous lithium ion batteries

In this paper, LiTi2(PO4)3@carbon/graphene (LCG) hybrid was prepared and investigated as anode for aqueous lithium ion batteries (ALIBs). The as-prepared hybrid was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and TGA. The electrochemical performances of nano-structured materials as anode were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and charge-discharge tests. The cell using LCG as anode exhibits excellent cycling performance both at relatively low and high rates. The capacity retention of LCG can remain 87.6% at 0.2 C after 200 cycles and 77.2% at 5 C after 1000 cycles compared with LiTi2(PO4)3@carbon (0.2 C: 71.8%, 5 C: 58.1%). Moreover, LCG reveals superior rate capability with 80.8 mA h g−1, 62.1 mA h g−1 at 10 C and 20 C, respectively. The outstanding electrochemical performance of LCG comes from the improved electrical conductivity and the forming of efficient conductive network. The results demonstrate that the graphene-modified LiTi2(PO4)3@carbon is a promising anode for ALIBs.