Facile molten salt synthesis of Li2NiTiO4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries

Well-crystallized Li 2 NiTiO 4 nanoparticles are rapidly synthesized by a molten salt method using a mixture of NaCl and KCl salts. X-ray diffraction pattern and scanning electron microscopic image show that Li 2 NiTiO 4 has a cubic rock salt structure with an average particle size of ca. 50 nm. Conductive carbon-coated Li 2 NiTiO 4 is obtained by a facile ball milling method. As a novel 4 V positive cathode material for Li-ion batteries, the Li 2 NiTiO 4 /C delivers high discharge capacities of 115 mAh g -1 at room temperature and 138 mAh g -1 and 50°C, along with a superior cyclability.