Synthesis and electrochemical characterisation of electrospun lithium titanate ultrafine fibres

摘要

The phase pure spinel lithium titanate (Li_4Ti_5O_(12)) in the form of ultrafine fibre was synthesised by the combination of sol-gel and electrospinning techniques. The electrospinning process for the preparation of Li_4Ti_5O_(12) precursor was optimised to get bead-free fibrous mat with uniform thickness. Crystalline Li_4Ti_5O_(12) in the form of ultrafine fibre was synthesised by the calcination of the precursor at 800 C in air for 4 h. The material was characterised by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and subsequently evaluated as an electrode active material using Li metal as a counter electrode. The material exhibited a first cycle specific capacity of 154 mAh g~(-1) with good rate capability and cyclability.