Performance study of a Li4Ti5O12 electrode for lithium batteries prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying

Lithium-ion batteries with spinet Li4Ti5O12 negative electrodes have been recognized as a promising candidate for the future energy storage systems, because of their remarkable rate capability and cycle life performance and inherent safety. However, a simple and low-cost method for preparing LTO electrodes is still needed. In this respect, a LTO electrode was obtained by the atmospheric plasma spray method and was tested in a half-cell. The LTO electrode displays optimal performance, such as good rate capability and excellent cycling stability over 200 cycles at 0.5C. However, as the charge and discharge rates increase, the low coulombic efficiency from capacity decay, which may be due to the polarization of the electrodes, and the collapse of the crystal structure cause an irreversible cycle. The results demonstrate that the APS method has potential in the preparation of electrodes thereby greatly reducing the cost and simplifying the procedures for preparing electrodes.