Enhanced cycling performance of the Li4Ti5O12 anode in an ethers electrolyte induced by a solid-electrolyte interphase filmElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ra06566f

The generation of a uniform solid-electrolyte interphase film on the surface of the Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anode at potentials above 1.0 V in an ethers electrolyte with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide as the lithium salt is reported. A significant enhancement in the cycling life can be obtained in the ethers electrolyte compared to in the conventional carbonates electrolyte. At a rate of 2 C, the discharge capacity can be retained at a stable 155.4 mA h g −1 after 300 cycles with a high capacity retention of 97.5%, which is the best result reported for a Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anode with a particle size above 300 nm. Uniform solid-electrolyte interphase film can be generated on the surface of the Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anode in ethers electrolyte with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide as the lithium salt, leading to enhanced cycling stability and rate performance.