ChemSusChem | 2019
A novel mixed-surfactant-assisted synthesis of dual phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 hierarchical microspheres as high performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries.
Abstract
A novel mixed-surfactant-assisted method was developed to synthesize dual-phase Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 hierarchical microspheres materials. The ratio of anionic/cationic surfactant can directionally regulate primary structures morphology and the dual-phase ratio of final product, where the primary structures morphology can be stacked nanosheets, small nanoparticles or large nanoparticles. The sample with the primary structures morphology of small nanoparticles has the highest specific surface area of 79.38 m2 g-1 and best electrochemical performance, due to its highest Li+ migration rate, the lowest polarization and appropriate TiO2 content. Its capacity reaches 153.5 mA h g-1 at current rate of 40 C and keeps nearly 100% capacity after 100 cycles. A self-assembling mechanism of mixing surfactant has been highlighted to explain the forming of hierarchical microspheres. The physical and electrochemical properties of obtained material are effectively correlated.