Preparation of Li4Ti5O12/C composites using gel-cast method and its electrochemical performance

Spinel Li4Ti5O12/C composites were synthesized using gel-cast technique with acrylamide (AM) as monomer and NN-methylenebis-acrylamide as crosslinking agent. Effects of the amount of AM on the performances of the as-prepared materials were investigated. SEM photographs show that the primary particle size decreases gradually with the increase of AM content from 5 wt.% to 15 wt.%. When the AM content reaches at 15 wt.%, the agglomeration of the particles becomes obvious. Electrochemical measurements show that the Li4Ti5O12/C composite prepared with 10 wt.% AM presents relatively higher specific capacity (157.5 mAh g− 1) and better cycling stability, especially at a higher current rate. Impedance measurement shows that its resistance is substantially lower than that of the other two, suggesting the improvement of the charge transfer process over the electrode surface.