Synthesis and electrochemical properties of lithium zinc titanate as an anode material for lithium ion batteries via microwave method

Lithium zinc titanate (Li₂ZnTi₃O₈) anode material has been synthesized via a microwave method for the first time. The physical and electrochemical performances of the as-prepared sample are characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is found that the pristine Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ obtained via the microwave method at 780 W for 10 min exhibits a typical cubic spinel structure with P4₃32 space group. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ anode material displayed a highly reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. The initial charge capacities of Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ nanoparticles were 216.8 mA h g^-1, 197.4 mA h g^-1, 192.6 mA h g^-1, 174.5 mA h g^-1 at 50 mA g^-1, 100 mA g^-1, 300 mA g^-1 and 500 mA g^-1, respectively. After 50 cycles, charge capacities of 263.5 mA h g^-1, 234.8 mA h g^-1, 223.2 mA h g^-1 and 208.4 mA h g^-1 can be retained, with no significant capacity fading. This indicates that the microwave method has a great potential application in synthesizing Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ anode materials for lithium ion batteries.