Synthesis and electrochemical properties of La-doped Li₄Ti ₅O₁₂ as anode material for Li-ion battery

La-doped Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ was successfully synthesized from Li₂CO₃, La₂O₃ and tetrabutyl titanate by a simple ball milling assisted modified solid-state method. The impact of La-doping on crystalline structure, particle size, morphology and electrochemical performance of Li₄Ti₅O ₁₂ was investigated. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, galvanostatically charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the in-situ coated and ball-milling method could decrease the particle size and prevent the aggregation of Li₄Ti ₅O₁₂. La-doping obviously improved the rate capability of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ via the generation of less electrode polarization and higher electronic conductivity. Li_3.95La _0.05Ti₅O₁₂ exhibited a relatively excellent rate capability and cycling stability. At the charge-discharge rate of 0.5 C and 40 C, its discharge capacities were 176.8 mAh/g and 54.7 mAh/g. After 10 cycles, fairly stable cycling performance was achieved without obvious capacity fade at 0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, 10 C, 20 C and 40 C. In addition, compared to Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, Li_3.95La _0.05Ti₅O₁₂ almost did not have the initial capacity loss. It indicated that Li_3.95La_0.05Ti ₅O₁₂ was a promising candidate material for anodes in Li-ion battery application.