Facile synthesis of N-doped carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 anode for application in high-rate lithium ion batteries

A facile sol-gel approach for the synthesis of lithium titanate composite decorated with N-doped carbon material (LTO/NC) is proposed. Urea is used as a nitrogen source in the proposed approach. The LTO/NC exhibits superior electrochemical performances as an electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, delivering a discharge capacity of as high as 103 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 20 C and retaining a stable reversible capacity of 90 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles, corresponding to 100% capacity retention. These excellent electrochemical performances are proved by the nanoscale structure and N-doped carbon coating. NC layers were uniformly dispersed on the surface of LTO, thus preventing agglomeration, favoring the rapid migration of the inserted Li ion, and increasing the Li+ diffusion coefficient and electronic conductivity. LTO with the appropriate amount of NC coating is a promising anode material with applications in the development of high-powered and durable lithium-ion batteries.