Advanced composites of complex Ti-based oxides as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are increasingly used in portable electronics due to their high energy densities, long cycle life, low self-discharge properties, and environmentally friendly features. To satisfy future large-scale energy storage, the development of high-performance electrode materials is highly important. Complex Ti-based oxides (such as Li4Ti5O12 and Li–M–Ti–O) have interesting properties for anode applications, including good safety performance and high cyclic stability. However, most of the complex Ti-based oxides suffer from low electronic conductivities and insufficient Li+-ion diffusion coefficients, significantly limiting their rate capabilities. In general, compositing is an effective strategy to tackle this issue. Comprehensively good electrochemical performance can be achieved in the composites arising from the complementarity and correlation of the components. This review focuses on the composite characteristics and compositing methods of the complex Ti-based oxides for high-performance lithium-ion storage. The relations among the material composition, material fabrication, material structure, material property and LIB performance are emphasized. In addition, a vista of future research and development in this research field is also presented.