Low-temperature synthesis of macroporous LiTi2(PO4)3/C with superior lithium storage properties

Abstract

We report a "low-temperature" LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP) phase (LT-LTP) with modified structural, microstructural and electrochemical properties. A macroporous LT-LTP phase is prepared by a simple sol-gel procedure followed by calcination at 550°C. LT-LTP exhibits an unusual distribution of lithium ions within the NASICON-type structure and, consequently, a new two-step lithium-intercalation regime. The material, after compositing with carbon, shows excellent lithium storage properties with a retained capacity >100 mA h g-1 after 800 cycles at a 10 C charge-discharge rate. Macroporous LT-LTP/C composites exhibit a remarkably enhanced cycle performance compared to conventional LTP/C composites.