MLi₂Ti₆O₁₄ (M = Sr, Ba, 2Na) lithium insertion titanate materials: A comparative study

MLi₂Ti₆O₁₄ (M = Sr, Ba, 2Na) titanates have been investigated as lithium insertion materials for lithium-ion batteries. A comparative study has been undertaken based on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties of the titanate materials, which were prepared by sol-gel synthesis. Their lithium insertion behavior was analyzed by crystallographic considerations. While Na₂Li₂Ti ₆O₁₄ can reversibly host two Li⁺ ions, SrLi₂Ti₆O₁₄ and BaLi₂Ti ₆O14 can reversibly insert almost four lithium Ions per unit formula. Among the three materials, SrLi₂Ti₆O₁₄ showed superior capacity and rate capability. It was concluded that this class of materials could be of practical use in high-power lithium batteries for transportation applications.