Amorphous LiEuTiO4 nanovesicles as a low-operating potential anode for rechargeable lithium ion batteries

Amorphous LiEuTiO4 nanovesicles were fabricated using in situ formed Eu nanoparticles as sacrificial templates. Samples fabricated with these nanovesicles exhibited a good rate performance together with a large reversible discharge capacity of 285.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and 185.7 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and had an excellent cycle performance with a huge reversible discharge capacity of 282 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. These advantageous characteristics are attributed its unique structure, which reduces the length of Li+/electron transportation and increases the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode. A solid-electrolyte boundary film was formed on the surface of the LiEuTiO4 anode during cycling. However, the rate and cyclic properties of the sample improved after adding vinylene carbonate. Those results demonstrate that LiEuTiO4 nanovesicles can function as an ideal low operating voltage anode material in high-rate lithium ion batteries intended for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles without a corresponding reduction in the battery voltage or energy density.