Li4Ti5O12/graphene nanostructure for lithium storage with high-rate performance

Graphical abstract: A novel Li4Ti5O12/graphene microstructure was designed and synthesized using as anode material for lithium storage with high-rate performance. -- Highlights: • Ionic liquid of [Omim]Cl was used to synthesize thin graphene with a thickness of 2 nm. • Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles (∼20 nm) were in situ grown on the surface of thin graphene. • The synthesized electrode exhibits excellent reversibility and high-rate performance. • The reversible capacity of the electrode decreases only 8.5% from 0.2 to 20 C. -- Abstract: Nano-crystalline Li4Ti5O12 with an average size of 18 nm was in situ grown on graphene sheets using ionic liquid of C12H23ClN2 [Omim]Cl as the exfoliated agent. Such unique nanostructure provides a high electrode/electrolyte area for the electron transport and the nanosized Li4Ti5O12 leads to a short path for the lithium ion transfer. When used as an anode material for lithium-ion battery, the Li4Ti5O12/graphene nanostructure exhibits excellent reversibility (159 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C after 100 cycles) and high-rate performance (162 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, 148.5 mAh g−1 at 20 C)