Investigation of various synthetic conditions for large-scale synthesis and electrochemical properties of Li3.98Al0.06Ti4.96O12/C as anode material

Poor electronic conductivity is one of the biggest obstacles for practical application of lithium titanate as lithium-ion battery anode material. Utilizing the advantages of coating and doping techniques to optimize the conductive and rate performances of lithium titanate was reported in this work. Herein, the effects of various synthetic conditions including calcination temperatures and holding times, lithium overdoses, carbon contents, doping contents and doping elements on phase, primary particles' size and electrochemical performance were comprehensively investigated. The optimal Li3.98Al0.06Ti4.96O12/C secondary microspheres were synthesized, which possessed high electronic conductivity, tap density, reversible capacity and first columbic efficiency, and excellent rate performances. Furthermore, the synthesized samples were characterized by various techniques. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.