Ion-Exchange Synthesis of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ Nanotubes and Nanoparticles for High-Rate Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

A synthesis process of spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (LTO) nanomaterials was investigated using Li⁺-exchanged titanate nanotubes obtained via hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent reflux treatment. The substituted amount of Li⁺ ions can be controlled by the temperature and time during the reflux treatment in a LiOH aqueous solution, which is the key for the synthesis of single-phase LTO. The rate capability of nanosized LTO as an active material for Li-ion batteries is significantly higher than that of microsized LTO obtained via conventional solid-state synthesis. By changing the intercalated ions during the reflux treatment, this synthesis process can also be applied to the synthesis of other titanate nanomaterials, which are promising active materials for future battery systems.