Synthesis and electrochemical properties of La-doped Li4Ti5O12 as anode material for Li-ion battery

La-doped Li4Ti5O12 was successfully synthesized from Li2CO3, La2O3 and tetrabutyl titanate by a simple ball milling assisted modified solid-state method. The impact of La-doping on crystalline structure, particle size, morphology and electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12 was investigated. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, galvanostatically charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the in-situ coated and ball-milling method could decrease the particle size and prevent the aggregation of Li4Ti5O12. La-doping obviously improved the rate capability of Li4Ti5O12 via the generation of less electrode polarization and higher electronic conductivity. Li3.95La0.05Ti5O12 exhibited a relatively excellent rate capability and cycling stability. At the charge–discharge rate of 0.5 C and 40 C, its discharge capacities were 176.8 mAh/g and 54.7 mAh/g. After 10 cycles, fairly stable cycling performance was achieved without obvious capacity fade at 0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, 10 C, 20 C and 40 C. In addition, compared to Li4Ti5O12, Li3.95La0.05Ti5O12 almost did not have the initial capacity loss. It indicated that Li3.95La0.05Ti5O12 was a promising candidate material for anodes in Li-ion battery application.