Enchanced electrochemical performances of Li4Ti5O12/Sn composites anode via sol-hydrothermal method for lithium ion batteries

Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (lithium titanate) were synthesized by sol-gel and hydrothermal method with LiOH as lithium ion source. Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/Sn composites anode were preparared by ball mill method with three of Sn variation. X-ray diffraction shows spinel, TiO₂, and Sn phases with anatase and rutile residue. The lowest electrolyte resistance obtained at the highest Sn value. The specific capacity of battery can be increased from addition of Sn by up to 258.6 mAh/g. Alloying and dealloying reaction of Li_xSn accomodate the increased specific capacity from charge/discharge. However, Thevolume expansion from LixSn leads to loss of capacity when the C rate increases. The efficient capacity at low and high charge-discharge rate obtained at the highest value of added Sn.