High performance Li4Ti5O12/CN anode material promoted by melamine–formaldehyde resin as carbon–nitrogen precursor

Abstract

A carbon–nitrogen coating approach using melamine–formaldehyde resin as carbon–nitrogen source is introduced in this work with the aim of getting high rate Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/CN composite. Li₄Ti₅O₁₂/CN composite, particle size of 50–100 nm in diameter, is well dispersed and the carbon–nitrogen layers are 2 nm in thickness. The composite delivers much higher electrochemical performance than those of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. At 0.2 C and 10 C, it exhibits a discharge capacity of 172 mA h g⁻¹ and 160 mA h g⁻¹, respectively, and after 250 cycles at 10 C, 97.4% of its initial capacity is retained. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the improved ionic and electronic conductivity in the electrode due to the uniform and ultrathin carbon–nitrogen coating layer.