Nanostructured cation disordered Li₂FeTiO₄/graphene composite as high capacity cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Nanostructured Li₂FeTiO₄/graphene composite with a cation disordered rock salt structure (Fm-3 m) has been synthesised via a solgel process using graphene oxide (GO) as a template. The as-prepared Li₂FeTiO₄ nanoparticles with a particle size of 20–50 nm are uniformly distributed on the graphene substrate. The Li₂FeTiO₄/graphene cathode shows phase transformations of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ and Fe³⁺/Fe⁴⁺ in a wide potential range from 1.5 to 5.0 V and possesses a high discharge capacity of 218.6 mAh g⁻¹ (equivalent to 1.4 Li per formula unit). A reversible capacity of 176.9 mAh g⁻¹ is maintained after 50 cycles. High capacity retention rate at 1C after 200 cycles is obtained. The Li₂FeTiO₄/graphene should be of great interest as a potential cathode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Keywords:

• Li₂FeTiO₄ material
• cation disordered
• nanostructure
• lithium-ion batteries

Acknowledgements

The support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province and the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institution (PAPD) are acknowledged.