Self-supported Li4Ti5O12-C nanotube arrays as high-rate and long-life anode materials for flexible Li-ion batteries.

Self-supported Li4Ti5O12-C nanotube arrays with high conductivity architectures are designed and fabricated for application in Li-ion batteries. The Li4Ti5O12 nanotube arrays grow directly on stainless steel foil by a facile template-based solution route, further enhancing electronic conductivity by uniform carbon-coating on the inner and outer surfaces of Li4Ti5O12 nanotubes. Owing to the shortened Li(+) diffusion distance, high contact surface area, sufficient conductivity, and very good structure stability of the nanotube arrays, the self-supported Li4Ti5O12-C nanotube arrays exhibit remarkable rate capability (a reversible capability of 135 mA h g(-1), 105 mA h g(-1), and 80 mA h g(-1) at 30C, 60C, and 100C, respectively) and cycling performance (approximate 7% capacity loss after 500 cycles at 10C with a capacity retention of 144 mA h g(-1)).