Binary Lithium Titanate–Titania Nanocomposite Thin-Film Electrodes for Electrochemical Energy Storage

This work introduces a facile approach for preparation of binary nanocomposite thin film electrodes for lithium-ion batteries with excellent storage capability, high rate performance, and good electrochemical stability. The Li₄Ti₅O₁₂-TiO₂ film electrodes are prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition using a Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ and TiO₂ powder mixture target as sputtering source in an argon atmosphere. The Li₄Ti₅O₁₂–TiO₂ electrode yields good electrochemical performance in terms of high capacity (295 mAh g⁻¹) at a current density of 0.1 C, good cycling stability (≈5 % capacity loss after 100 cycles at 0.1 C), and excellent rate capability (158 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 5 C). The factors contributing to the excellent electrochemical performance are related to the binary nanocomposite structure. The results suggest that the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂–TiO₂ nanocomposite thin film can be used as an anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.