Electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12/C and Li4Ti5O12/C/Ag nanomaterials

Abstract

We have prepared and characterized lithium titanate-based anode materials, Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/C and Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/C/Ag, using polyvinylidene fluoride as a carbon source. The formation of such materials has been shown to be accompanied by fluorination of the lithium titanate surface and the formation of a highly conductive carbon coating. The highest electrochemical capacity (175 mAh/g at a current density of 20 mA/g) is offered by the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂-based anode materials prepared using 5% polyvinylidene fluoride. The addition of silver nanoparticles ensures a further increase in electrical conductivity and better cycling stability of the materials at high current densities.