Enhanced lithium storage capability of Li4Ti5O12 anode material with low content Ce modification

The Ce-modified LTO sample was synthesized in N2 atmosphere via a conventional solid-state reaction method. In addition to partial Ce3+ doping into the LTO lattice, a new phase CeO2 emerged in the modified sample. The doping of Ce3+ could increase the intrinsic ionic conductivity of LTO and the CeO2 particles locating at the outer surface of LTO were helpful to improve its extrinsic electronic conductivity. Because of the lower valence of Ce3+ than Ti4+, some Ti3+ were present as charge compensation in the modified sample, which could further enhance the electronic conductivity of LTO. As expected, the LTO-Ce sample delivered a reversible discharge specific capacity of 114.9 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at the rate of 2 C, 1.34 times higher than that of the LTO-0 sample treated in air. As compared to the previously reported Ce-doped LTO composites, a much smaller amount of Ce (Ce:Ti = 0.03:4.97) was required, which indicated its notable effect on the Li+ storage properties of LTO.