The Characterization of Lithium Titanate Microspheres Synthesized by a Hydrothermal Method

Lithium titanate microspheres were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The specific surface area and average pore diameter of samples were studied by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicated that amorphous phase changed to lithium titanium oxide hydrate, accompanying mesopores formed between agglomerated primary particles in hydrothermal reaction. After sintering, mesoporous Li4Ti5O12 microspheres assembled by nanosized particle were obtained and had a diameter of about 400–700 nm. Then, a possible formation process analogous to the Kirkendall effect was proposed. Moreover, the effect of sintering temperature on the electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12 microspheres was investigated.