Facile molten salt synthesis of Li2NiTiO4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries

Well-crystallized Li₂NiTiO₄ nanoparticles are rapidly synthesized by a molten salt method using a mixture of NaCl and KCl salts. X-ray diffraction pattern and scanning electron microscopic image show that Li₂NiTiO₄ has a cubic rock salt structure with an average particle size of ca. 50 nm. Conductive carbon-coated Li₂NiTiO₄ is obtained by a facile ball milling method. As a novel 4 V positive cathode material for Li-ion batteries, the Li₂NiTiO₄/C delivers high discharge capacities of 115 mAh g^-1 at room temperature and 138 mAh g^-1 and 50°C, along with a superior cyclability.