Preparation and characteristic of carbon-coated Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ anode material

Carbon-coated spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ anode material was prepared by heat-treating the mixture of TiO₂ (anatase), Li₂CO₃ and sugar. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscope and transmission electron microscope. A nanolayer of amorphous carbon was homogeneously coated on the surface of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ particles. Electrochemical results show that the carbon-coated Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ displays larger diffusion coefficient of lithum ions, higher rate capability and excellent reversibility. Its reversible capacity is approximately 160 mAh g^-1 at the rate 0.1 C and good cycling behavior at different current density is achieved.