Lithium titanate spinel (Li4Ti5O12) is one of the most attractive anode candidates for lithium ion batteries due to its constant operating potential (1.55 V vs. Li+/Li) and for safety reasons. However, the low electronic conductivity and slow lithium diffusion rate hinders the widespread application of this material. We have recently developed a simple solution-based templating method for preparing 60 nm particles of Li4Ti5O12 with high crystallinity. High rate capability (up to 100 C with over 85% capacity retention) is achieved because of the better physical contact with the conductive carbon agent.On the cathode side, we have largely focused on the study of manganese-based oxides. The surface properties of those electrodes play an important role in achieving chemical stability of the battery system. Surface corrosion, solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer growth and instability of the SEI layer can result in diminished energy density and even battery failure. We recently applied the strategy of adding a nano-structured titanate (anatase TiO2 or spinel Li4Ti5O12) layer on a 5 V lithium ion battery cathode (e. g. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-d) with controlled thickness (5-30 nm) from a sol-gel processr. No capacity fade was observed for coated materials within the first 100 charge/discharge cycles at room temperature. Meanwhile, no change in the polarization gap has been found after long-term cycling at the elevated temperature 55�C.

Novel solution based synthesis of titanates and application to lithium-ion batteries

246th National Meeting (2013)

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