Comparative analysis of the methods of producing lithium titanates

Anodic materials with spinel structure Li 2 MTi 3 O 8 (M - divalent metal) are promising for storing electricity from renewable energy sources, for portable electronics and electric vehicles. In this work, mesoporous lithium titanates Li 2 MTi 3 O 8 (M - Co, Cu, Zn) powders with spinel structure were prepared by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) from the glycine-citrate-nitrate mixtures and, for comparison, by the sol-gel method. Their crystal structure, phase composition, thermal stability, microstructure and dispersion were studied. It was established that the SHS method of preparation of lithium titanates has several advantages over the sol-gel method because there is no need to use any solvents; it is possible to reduce particle aggregation, to increase specific surface and to reduce bulk density of the obtained powders.