Comparison of different methods for Li₂MTi₃O₈ (M – Co, Cu, Zn) synthesis

Abstract

Mesoporous powders of lithium titanates Li₂MTi₃O₈ (M – Co, Cu, Zn) of spinel structure are promising as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. RESULTS: Li₂MTi₃O₈ (M – Co, Cu, Zn) were obtained by the sol–gel method, using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) from glycine–citrate–nitrate mixtures, and also by the SHS method from aqueous solutions. The crystal structure, phase composition, microstructure and dispersion of the obtained materials were studied. CONCLUSION: It was established that the SHS method for the synthesis of lithium titanates has several advantages compared with the sol–gel method, including not requiring solvents, reduced aggregation of particles, a higher specific surface area and low bulk density of the obtained powders. The electrode obtained on the basis of Zn-containing Li titanate by the SHS method from glycine–citrate–nitrate mixtures showed the highest charging capacity of 160 mAh g⁻¹ and high cyclic stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).