Synergy of a hierarchical porous morphology and anionic defects of nanosized Li_(4)Ti_(5)O_(12) toward a high-rate and large-capacity lithium-ion battery

Exploring electrode materials with a high volumetric energy density and high rate capability remains of a great challenge for nanosized-Li_(4)Ti_(5)O_(12)(LTO)batteries.Here,hierarchical porous Ti^(3+)-C-N-Br co-doped LTO(LTOCPB-CC)is synthesized using carboxyl-grafted nanocarbon(CC)and cetylpyridinium bromide(CPB)as combined structure-directing agents.Ti^(4+)-O-CPB/Li^(+)-CC is designed as a new molecular chelate,in which CPB and CC promote the uniform mixing of Li^(+)and Ti^(4+)and control the morphology of TiO_(2) and the final product.The defects(oxygen vacancies and ion dopants)formed during the annealing process increase the electron/hole concentration and reduce the band gap,both of which enhance the n-type electron modification of LTO.As-prepared LTOCPB-CC has a large specific surface area and high tap density,as well as a high electronic conductivity(2.84×10^(-4) S cm^(-1))and ionic conductivity(3.82×10^(-12)cm^(2) s^(-1)),which are responsible for its excellent rate capability(157.7 mA h g^(-1) at 20 C)and stable long-term cycling performance(0.008% fade per cycle after 1000 cycles at 20 C).