Nano/micrometer porous conductive network structure Li4Ti5O12@C/CNT microspheres with enhanced sodium-storage capability as an anode material

Abstract

Li₄Ti₅O₁₂@C/CNT microspheres, wherein CNTs were firmly anchored to Li₄Ti₅O₁₂@C nanoparticles, were prepared via a facile spray drying method and subsequently annealed in an argon atmosphere, exhibiting long cycling stability (charge/discharge capacities of 85.45/86.18 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 500 mA g⁻¹) and excellent rate capability (charge capacity of 61.16 mA h g⁻¹ after 10 cycles at 1000 mA g⁻¹). The special spherical structure design is not only beneficial to improving the structural stability and reaction kinetics of the electrode materials during the long-term extraction–insertion of sodium ions but also supplies numerous interfacial sites to store more sodium ions.