Confined growth of Li sub(4)Ti sub(5)O sub(12) nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped mesoporous graphene fibers for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Nanomaterials with electrochemical activity are always suffering from aggregations, particularly during the high-temperature synthesis processes, which will lead to decreased energy-storage performance. Here, hierarchically structured lithium titanate/nitrogen-doped porous graphene fiber nanocomposites were synthesized by using confined growth of Li sub(4)Ti sub(5)O sub(12) (LTO) nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped mesoporous graphene fibers (NPGF). NPGFs with uniform pore structure are used as templates for hosting LTO precursors, followed by high-temperature treatment at 800 degree C under argon (Ar). LTO nanoparticles with size of several nanometers are successfully synthesized in the mesopores of NPGFs, forming nanostructured LTO/NPGF composite fibers. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, such nanocomposite architecture offers effective electron and ion transport, and robust structure. Such nanocomposites in the electrodes delivered a high reversible capacity (164 mAh.g super(-1) at 0.3 C), excellent rate capability (102 mAh.g super(-1) at 10 C), and long cycling stability. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]