New Ni0.5Ti2 (PO4)3@C NASICON‐type Electrode Material with High Rate Capability Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties

Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C NASICON‐type phosphate is introduced as a new anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C was synthesized through the sol–gel route and delivered some remarkable electrochemical performances. Specifically, the Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C electrode demonstrates a high rate capability performance and delivers high reversible capacities ranging from 130 mAh g−1 to about 111 mAh g−1 at current rates ranging from 0.1 C to 5 C in the voltage window of 1.85–3 V (vs. Li+/Li). In the same voltage range, the material reaches an initial capacity of 105 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of about 82 % after 1000 cycles at the high current rate of 10 C. The electrodes are also tested in the wider voltage range of 0.5–3 V (vs. Li+/Li) and show good reversibility and rate capability performance. Moreover, the Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C electrodes enable fast Li+ diffusion (in the order of 10−13 cm2 s−1) compared with other NASICON‐type materials. As a result, a first discharge capacity of 480 mAh g−1 is reached. LIB service: Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C NASICON‐type phosphate, synthesized through the sol–gel route, is introduced as a new anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C electrode demonstrated a high rate capability performance and delivered high reversible capacities ranging from 130 mAh g−1 to about 111 mAh g−1 at current rates ranging from 0.1 to 5 C in the voltage window of 1.85–3 V (vs. Li+/Li).