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LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C Anode Material with a Spindle‐Like Morphology for Batteries with High Rate Capability and Improved Cycle Life
Author(s) -
Yu Shicheng,
Tempel Hermann,
Schierholz Roland,
Aslanbas Özgür,
Gao Xin,
Mertens Josef,
de Haart Lambertus G. J.,
Kungl Hans,
Eichel RüdigerA.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201600125
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocrystalline material , solvothermal synthesis , morphology (biology) , anode , chemical engineering , microstructure , nanoparticle , electrochemistry , composite number , particle size , nanotechnology , electrode , composite material , chemistry , biology , engineering , genetics
Abstract Nanocrystalline LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C has been synthesized by employing a solvothermal process in which oxalic acid was used as a solubilizer for the titanium source, a surfactant, and a carbon source. Additionally, Pechini's sol–gel‐based method was also used as the synthesis method for comparison. LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C prepared by using a solvothermal route showed a homogenous particle size with spindle‐like microstructures formed from self‐assembled nanosized‐platelets, whereas preparation by the sol–gel process resulted in agglomerated powders with irregular morphology and particle size. The different morphologies of LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C prepared in the two synthesis methods tend to form different electrode layer structures, which results in remarkable differences in their electrochemical properties. In particular, the solvothermally synthesized LiTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C composite exhibits superior high‐rate‐discharge capability and cycling stability. A capacity of approximately 97.7 % of the initial capacity was maintained for the solvothermal sample after 500 cycles at 5 C.