Interfacing TiO2(B) Nanofibers with Li4Ti5O12 Towards Highly Reversible and Durable TiO2‐based Anode for Li−Ion Batteries. Issue 1 (23rd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ho, Ching‐Kit; Li, Chi‐Ying Vanessa; Chan, Kwong‐Yu; Yung, Hoi; Tay, Yee‐Yan
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 7:Issue 1(2019:Jan.)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2018-11-23
• Subjects: lithium-ion batteries -- Li4Ti5O12 -- TiO2(B) -- anodes -- initial irreversible capacity loss; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201800413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract: Nanostructured TiO2 (B) suffers from severe initial irreversible capacity loss (ICL) (≥15 %), hindering its commercialization. While the incorporation of stable Li4 Ti5 O12 with negligible ICL into TiO2 (B) should address the issue, the synthesis of TiO2 (B)/Li4 Ti5 O12 composite remains unexploited because the conventional synthesis temperature required for the Li4 Ti5 O12 formation induces growth of anatase TiO2 . Here, we achieve the first synthesis of TiO2 (B)/Li4 Ti5 O12 nanocomposite by interfacing high‐energy (020) planes of TiO2 (B) nanofibers and Li4 Ti5 O12 with a small lattice mismatch. As a new class of Li‐ion battery anode, the TiO2 (B)/Li4 Ti5 O12 nanocomposite features a significantly mitigated initial ICL (7 % at 35 mA g −1 ), stable cycling (93 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1750 mA g −1 ), and enhanced rate performance (122 mAh g −1 at 2630 mA g −1 ). This can be mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of the composition and structure resulting in reduced and stabilized SEI formation. Demonstrating the first success of synthesizing a TiO2 (B)/Li4 Ti5 O12 composite, this work provides insights to the effective integration of compounds requiring high synthesis temperature with metastable phases. Abstract : First synthesis of TiO2 (B)/Li4 Ti5 O12 composite (TB‐LTO) achieved by interfacing high‐energy (020) planes of TiO2 (B) nanofibers (TB) and Li4 Ti5 O12 with a small lattice mismatch; the composite mitigates initial irreversible capacity loss of TiO2 (B) effectively; and demonstrates superior rate capability and cyclability.