Anatase-TiO₂ nanocoating of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanorod anode for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • TiO₂-coated LTO was in-situ prepared via a microemulsion-assisted hydrothermal route. • Anatase-TiO₂ coating layer enhances the electrochemical performance of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. • The as-prepared sample presents high-rate capability and cyclic stability. - Abstract: Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanorod coated by anatase-TiO₂ is in situ synthesized via a microemulsion-assisted hydrothermal method followed by heat treatment at 550 °C in air. Compared with pure Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanorod coated by anatase-TiO₂ presents much improved electrochemical characteristics in terms of high specific capacity, excellent rate capability and cyclic stability (96.0% of initial capacity at a current density of 1.75 A g⁻¹ up to 100 cycles). Acting as a perfect nanocoating layer, anatase-TiO₂ contributes some capacity and gives an enhanced performance to the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ electrode. All the results suggest that Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanorod coated by anatase-TiO₂ could be suitable for use as a high-rate anode material for lithium-ion batteries