Monodispersed Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ with Controlled Morphology as High Power Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

Monodispersed Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (LTO) nanoparticles with controlled microstructure were successfully synthesized by a combination of hydrolysis and hydrothermal method followed by a post-annealing process. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that particles with a size of 30–50 nm were precisely controlled throughout the synthesis process. The electrochemical tests of the as-prepared LTO electrodes in a half-cell proved its high rate performance and outstanding cyclability which benefits from the preserved well-controlled nanoparticle size and morphology. LTO electrodes were also tested in a full cell configuration in pairing with LiFePO₄ cathodes, which demonstrated a capacity of 147.3 mA h g−1. In addition, we have also demonstrated that LTO materials prepared using lithium salts separated from geothermal brine solutions had good cyclability. These demonstrations provide a promising way for making low-cost, large-scale LTO electrode materials for energy storage applications.