Long-cycled Li2ZnTi3O8/TiO2 composite anode material synthesized via a one-pot co-precipitation method for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Li₂ZnTi₃O₈/TiO₂ composite anode materials were synthesized by using a one-pot co-precipitation method for the first time. Texture characteristic and electrochemical measurements were taken of this composite and of pure as-prepared Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ to investigate their structures, morphologies and electrochemical properties. The Li₂ZnTi₃O₈/TiO₂ composite anode material showed a better cycle performance and a higher rate performance than did the pure Li₂ZnTi₃O₈. At current densities of 1000 mA g⁻¹, 2000 mA g⁻¹ and 3000 mA g⁻¹, the dual-phased Li₂ZnTi₃O₈/TiO₂ composite yielded discharge capacities, respectively, of 211.1 mA h g⁻¹, 199.8 mA h g⁻¹ and 180.8 mA h g⁻¹ at the first cycle, and 150.6 mA h g⁻¹, 137.2 mA h g⁻¹ and 108.2 mA h g⁻¹, respectively, after 1000 cycles. The high specific capacity together with outstanding rate and cycle performance of the Li₂ZnTi₃O₈/TiO₂ composite suggest it to be a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.