Li4Ti5O12-TiO2/C hollow microspheres derived from nanoporous biomass carbon as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract A flower-like Li4Ti5O12-TiO2/C hollow microsphere derived from biomass carbon is successfully fabricated and used as anode for lithium ion battery. The results show that the biomass carbons derived from mulberry leaves are uniformly compounded on the Li4Ti5O12-TiO2 microspheres. The Li4Ti5O12-TiO2/C1 microsphere sample shows perfect electrochemical performance due to its smaller grain size and larger specific surface area, it displays a discharge capacity of 174.3 mAh g−1 at 1 C in the first cycle and still maintains above 90% after 1000 cycles, even the current is increased to 40 C, the discharge capacity can still up to 125.8 mAh g−1. Excellent electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12-TiO2/C can be attributed to the dual action of biomass carbon and produced Ti3+ which enhances the conductivity of the material, and the biomass carbon also provides a convenient and efficient channel for lithium ion transport.