Electrochemical performance of ZnO-coated Li4Ti5O12 composite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries with the voltage ranging from 3 to 0.01 V.

Oxide is widely used in modifying cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a facile method of radio magnetron sputtering is introduced to deposit a thin film on Li4Ti5O12 composite electrodes. The pristine and modified Li4Ti5O12 electrodes are characterized at an extended voltage range of 3-0.01 V. The reversible capacity reaches a high level of 286 mAh g-1, which is a little less than its theoretical capacity (293 mAh g-1). Electrodes modified by ZnO thin films with various thickness show elevated rate capability and improved cycle performance.