Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3-Modified Li4Ti5O12 Anode for Lithium-Ion Storage with Enhanced Rate and Cycling Performance

The capacity of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) at high rates is limited due to the polarization caused by its modest Li-ion (Li+) diffusion coefficient and low electrical conductivity. Coating with ionic conductors is an available method to ameliorate charge transport. Li1+xAlxTi2–x(PO4)3 ion conductors with thermal, chemical, and electrochemical stabilities have been proven to be modification materials for electrodes. Herein, the Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 (LATP) precursor dispersion with optimized preparation is applied to the surface modification of LTO by a dynamic mix-drying method. A proper amount of LATP ultrafine particle coating could develop the ion transport rate in the electrode and restrain side reactions. The 2 wt % LATP–LTO anode exhibits an optimized capacity of 168.2 mA h g–1 at 0.1 A g–1 and retains 96.7% of its capacity after 5000 cycles at 5.0 A g–1, while the P-LTO anode retains 86.3% of the capacity. Improved Li+ transport and interface stability in the electrodes lead to the boosted rate and cycling stability. The LATP-modified LTO composites provide a possibility for the further application of related materials in the energy storage field.