3D N-doped Li4Ti5O12 nanoribbon networks self-supported on Ti foils as advanced anode for high-performance flexible lithium-ion batteries

A novel three dimensional (3D) N-doped Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanoribbon (N-LTONR) network electrode is synthesized by hydrothermal process and subsequent gas-solid reaction. The presence of self-doped Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies in LTO lattice further enhances the intrinsic conductivity. The thin nanoribbons (70 nm in width and 20 nm in thickness) are twisted and intertwined to form a 3D conductive network, and can be directly served as flexible electrode for Li ion batteries (LIB) without using any binder and conductive additives. The optimized N-LTONR electrode exhibits excellent high-rate capability, low-temperature performance and cycle stability. It delivers a areal capacity of 0.26 mAh cm(-2) at a high current density of 10 mA cm(-2), and has a capacity retention rate of 85.2% after 1000 cycles at 3 mA cm(-2). It also displays excellent low-temperature adaptability and retains 78.3% room temperature-capacity even under -30 degrees C, exhibits a low capacity loss (2%) after 100 cycles at 1 mA cm(-2) under - 20 degrees C. In addition, the 3D nanoribbon network electrode possesses good flexibility and has promising potential to be used for flexible and bendable LIBs. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel three-dimensional N-doped Li4Ti5O12 nanoribbon network electrode with excellent high-rate capability, low-temperature performance, cycle stability, and flexibility has been successfully synthesized, showing promising potential for flexible and bendable lithium-ion batteries.