Electrospun Li 4Ti 5O 12/C composites for lithium-ion batteries with high rate performance

• Published in: Solid state ionics Vol. 204; pp. 61 - 65
• Main Authors: Guo, Bingkun, Li, Ying, Yao, Yingfang, Lin, Zhan, Ji, Liwen, Xu, Guangjie, Liang, Yinzheng, Shi, Quan, Zhang, Xiangwu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2011
• Subjects: Anodes; Li 4Ti 5O 12; Lithium-ion batteries; Nanofibers; Nanoparticles; Lithium-ion batteries; Nanoparticles; Nanofibers; Anodes; Li 4Ti 5O 12
• ISSN: 0167-2738; 1872-7689
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssi.2011.10.019

Two types of Li 4Ti 5O 12/C composites were synthesized through the electrospinning method. The first composite consists of Li 4Ti 5O 12 nanoparticles and aggregates coated by carbon and connected by carbon nanofibers. The second composite is constructed solely by Li 4Ti 5O 12/C fibers. These two composites are denoted as Li 4Ti 5O 12/C particles/fibers and Li 4Ti 5O 12/C fibers, respectively. It is found that both composites show higher reversible capacities and better rate performance than commercial Li 4Ti 5O 12 nanoparticles. Comparing the two electrospun composites, Li 4Ti 5O 12/C fibers exhibit higher reversible capacity, greater rate capacity, and smaller electrode polarization, indicating that Li 4Ti 5O 12/C fibers have better kinetics than Li 4Ti 5O 12/C particles/fibers due to the elimination of Li 4Ti 5O 12 aggregates and the formation of carbon-based fiber structure. ► Li 4Ti 5O 12/C particles/fibers and Li 4Ti 5O 12/C fibers were synthesized by electrospinning. ► In Li 4Ti 5O 12/C particles/fibers, Li 4Ti 5O 12 particles are coated by carbon and connected by carbon nanofibers. ► Li 4Ti 5O 12/C fibers eliminate the formation of Li 4Ti 5O 12 aggregates and provide short pathways for both lithium ions and electrons.