Approaching high-performance lithium storage materials by constructing Li2ZnTi3O8@LiAlO2 composites

The Li2ZnTi3O8@LiAlO2 was synthesized by a facile high-temperature solid-state route. The LiAlO2 modification does not alter the morphology and particle size of Li2ZnTi3O8 (LZTO). The LiAlO2 modification improves the structure stability, intercalation/deintercalation reversibility of lithium-ions, and electrochemical reaction activity of Li2ZnTi3O8, and promotes the transfer of lithium ions. Benefited from the unique component, Li2ZnTi3O8@LiAlO2 (8wt%) shows a good rate performance with charge capacities of 203.9, 194.8, 187.4, 180.6, and 177.1 mAh·g−1 at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 C, respectively. Nevertheless, pure LZTO only delivers charge capacities of 134.5, 109.7, 89.4, 79.9, and 72.9 mAh·g−1 at the corresponding rates. Even at large charge—discharge rate, the Li2ZnTi3O8@LiAlO2 (8wt%) composite indicates a good cycle performance with a high reversible charge/discharge capacity of 263.5/265.8 mAh·g−1 at 5 C after 150 cycles. The introduction of LiAlO2 on the surface of Li2ZnTi3O8 enhances electronic conductivity of the composite, resulting in the good electrochemical performance of Li2ZnTi3O8@LiAlO2 composite. Li2ZnTi3O8@LiAlO2 (8wt%) composite shows a good potential as an anode material for the next generation of high-performance Li-ion batteries.