Dual-Modified Li4Ti5O12 Anode by Copper Decoration and Carbon Coating to Boost Lithium Storage

The low electronic conduction of Li4Ti5O12 negative materials for Li-ion batteries leads to unsatisfactory electrochemical performance. Here, we report a Li4Ti5O12 anode modified by copper decoration and carbon coating to simultaneously boost the Li-ion storage capacity and rate capabilities. The optimal Li4Ti5O12 anode reveals a remarkable reversible Li-ion storage capacity (285.3 mAh g(-1) when cycled at 100 mA g -1 for 100 cycles) and significantly improved rate capabilities compared to pristine Li4Ti5O12. When cycled at 1000 mA g(-1), a reversible capacity of 189.4 mAh g(-1) is retained after 500 cycles. The greatly enhanced electrochemical property is attributed to the dual effect of the carbon coating and copper decoration, which promotes the whole electronic conductivity.