Synthesis of Cu-doped Li4Ti5O12 anode materials with a porous structure for advanced electrochemical energy storage: Lithium-ion batteries

Cu-doped Li4Ti5O12 anode material is prepared through a facile direct-synthesis-from-solution (DSS) route assisted with freeze-drying. The Cu-doping can reduce the charge transfer resistance and enhance the lithium-ion diffusion and electronic conductivity. Among the as-fabricated samples, LTO-0.1Cu sample shows the best cycling performance and rate capability, delivering the capacity of 216.4, 206.4, 195.1, 184.5 and 173.3 mAhg‐1 at 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20C, respectively, and 180.6 mAhg‐1 at 10C after 500 cycles with 83.8% retention. Thus, this work provides an effective approach to improve the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12 as the anode materials for high-rate lithium-ion battery applications. [Display omitted] •Cu-doped Li4Ti5O12 composite has been synthesized through freeze-drying.•The porous structure can shorten Li+ diffusion length and facilitate lithium-ion transport.•Doping of Cu2+ can improve electronic conductivity and boost the electron transport.•The porous structure of Cu-doped Li4Ti5O12 composite can facilitate lithium-ion transport.•The porous structure of Cu-doped Li4Ti5O12 composite shows high rate and cycling stability.