Microwave irradiation enhanced electronic conductivity and Li⁺ diffusion coefficient in Spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Low electronic conductivity and Li⁺ diffusion coefficient are the key challenges to the practical application of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (LTO) as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This novel work explored efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis method that is significantly energy saving without the use of toxic reagents and organic solvents (sustainable chemistry principles). The innovative technology and energy efficient microwave irradiation enhanced the limiting low electronic conductivity and Li⁺ diffusion coefficient in the commercialized LTO (LTO-p) materials. Thus, significantly increased the battery’s energy and cycle life. The Microwave irradiation improved the specific capacity by 15.4% and capacity retention (0.0029% capacity loss per cycle for the LMO-m, 0.030% capacity loss per cycle for LMO-p after 500 cycles at 875 mAg^-1). The findings in this work are relevant for the realization of low-cost and safe scale-up modification processes for LTO spinel and related anode materials for the development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries.