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 Li ₄Ti₅O₁₂ (Li₄Ti₅O ₁₂/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 Li ₄Ti₅O₁₂/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 Li₄Ti₅O ₁₂/C architectures effectively restrict the particle growth and enhance their electronic conductivity, enabling fast ion and electron transport.