Nanosized lithium titanates produced by plasma technique

Abstract

The synthesis of nanosized lithium titanates is studied by evaporation of coarse grained commercially available titanium and lithium carbonate particles in radio-frequency plasma flow with subsequent controlling formation and growth conditions of product particles. In accordance with the XRD analysis the phase composition of the obtained powders is determined by feeding rate of precursors and strongly by ratio of lithium and titanium. The Li2TiO3 and Li4Ti5O12 particles containing small amounts of extra phases were obtained at ratio of Li/Ti2 and Li/Ti0.8 respectively, feeding rate of precursors being in the range of 0.6-0.9 kg/h. Specific surface area of powders is in the range of 20-40 m2/g depending on concentration of vapours in gas flow and cooling rate of the products. Additional calcination of nanosize particles at 800-900 °C improves phase composition of lithium titanates. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.