Approaching high-performance lithium storage materials by constructing Li₂ZnTi₃O₈@LiAlO₂ composites

The Li₂ZnTi₃O₈@LiAlO₂ was synthesized by a facile high-temperature solid-state route. The LiAlO₂ modification does not alter the morphology and particle size of Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ (LZTO). The LiAlO₂ modification improves the structure stability, intercalation/deintercalation reversibility of lithium-ions, and electrochemical reaction activity of Li₂ZnTi₃O₈, and promotes the transfer of lithium ions. Benefited from the unique component, Li₂ZnTi₃O₈@LiAlO₂ (8wt%) shows a good rate performance with charge capacities of 203.9, 194.8, 187.4, 180.6, and 177.1 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 C, respectively. Nevertheless, pure LZTO only delivers charge capacities of 134.5, 109.7, 89.4, 79.9, and 72.9 mAh·g⁻¹ at the corresponding rates. Even at large charge–discharge rate, the Li₂ZnTi₃O₈@LiAlO₂ (8wt%) composite indicates a good cycle performance with a high reversible charge/discharge capacity of 263.5/265.8 mAh·g⁻¹ at 5 C after 150 cycles. The introduction of LiAlO₂ on the surface of Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ enhances electronic conductivity of the composite, resulting in the good electrochemical performance of Li₂ZnTi₃O₈@LiAlO₂ composite. Li₂ZnTi₃O₈@LiAlO₂ (8wt%) composite shows a good potential as an anode material for the next generation of high-performance Li-ion batteries.