Synthesis and electrochemical properties of lithium zinc titanate as an anode material for lithium ion batteries via microwave method

Abstract

Lithium zinc titanate (Li₂ZnTi₃O₈) anode material has been synthesized via a microwave method for the first time. The physical and electrochemical performances of the as-prepared sample are characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is found that the pristine Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ obtained via the microwave method at 780 W for 10 min exhibits a typical cubic spinel structure with P4₃32 space group. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ anode material displayed a highly reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. The initial charge capacities of Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ nanoparticles were 216.8 mA h g⁻¹, 197.4 mA h g⁻¹, 192.6 mA h g⁻¹, 174.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 50 mA g⁻¹, 100 mA g⁻¹, 300 mA g⁻¹ and 500 mA g⁻¹, respectively. After 50 cycles, charge capacities of 263.5 mA h g⁻¹, 234.8 mA h g⁻¹, 223.2 mA h g⁻¹ and 208.4 mA h g⁻¹ can be retained, with no significant capacity fading. This indicates that the microwave method has a great potential application in synthesizing Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ anode materials for lithium ion batteries.