Superior high rate performance of core–shell Li4Ti5O12/carbon nanocomposite synthesized by a supercritical alcohol approach

Abstract

A facile, fast, and effective method for the preparation of a core–shell LTO/C nanocomposite via a supercritical alcohol route is presented. Organic-modified LTO nanocrystals were first synthesized in supercritical methanol at a short reaction time of 15 min using oleylamine as a surface-modifier and as a carbon precursor. Subsequent calcination under inert conditions resulted in a highly crystalline LTO core with a size of 5–15 nm and highly graphitic carbon shell with a thickness of 0.7–2.3 nm. The obtained core–shell LTO/C nanocomposite exhibited superior high rate performance, long-term cyclability, and low-temperature discharge capacity.