Carbon-Nanotube-Encapsulated LiTiOPO4 Composite Electrode for Aqueous Rechargeable Battery Applications

A Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs)-encapsulated orthorhombic LiTiOPO4 (LTOP) anode material was explored for use in an aqueous electrolyte. The aqueous rechargeable Li-ion battery was constructed by using LTOP/SWCNTs anode and LiFePO4@C (LFP@C) as a cathode in sat. Li2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. The LTOP has been synthesized by using a very simple method through a single-step procedure. Quantitative structural and morphological features of LTOP have been studied via X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopic, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, BET surface area analysis and transmission electron microscopy studies. The electrochemical properties and performance of the battery have been evaluated in half-cell (LTOP/SWCNTs vs. SCE) as well as a full-cell configuration with LFP@C as a cathode. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was carried out to determine the redox properties and stability. After the CV, electrochemical performance and properties of LTOP/SWCNTs were evaluated through galvanostatic cycling with potential limitation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. Further, we have also demonstrated the electrochemical performance and properties of LTOP/SWCNTs composite in the non-aqueous electrolyte.