Abstract:The electrochemical performance of Ta-doped Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ in the form of Li₄Ti_4.95Ta_0.05O₁₂ was characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the structure and morphology of Li₄Ti_4.95Ta_0.05O₁₂. Ta-doping does not change the phase composition and particle morphology, while improves remarkably its cycling stability at high charge/discharge rate. Li₄Ti_4.95Ta_0.05O₁₂ exhibits an excellent rate capability with a reversible capacity of 116.1 mA·h/g at 10C and even 91.0 mA·h/g at 30C. The substitution of Ta for Ti site can enhance the electronic conductivity of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ via the generation of mixing Ti⁴⁺/Ti³⁺, which indicates that Li₄Ti_4.95Ta_0.05O₁₂ is a promising candidate material for anodes in lithium-ion battery application.

Key words: lithium-ion battery; lithium titanate; anode material; doping