Cation-deficient perovskite Li_0.35Nd_0.55TiO₃ as a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Due to the advantages in rate capability, cycling performance, and structural stability, oxide perovskites have received increasing attention in the field of fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, cation-deficient perovskite Li0.35Nd0.55TiO3 (LNTO) is synthesized and reported as a novel high-performance anode material without further modification. With an average operating potential of 0.73 V vs. Li+/Li, the anode possesses a reversible specific capacity of 202 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g(-1)). Owing to the intrinsically fast Li+ migration channels and three-dimensional skeleton structure, LNTO exhibits excellent rate performance (58 % capacity retention at 40 C) as well as impressive cycling stability (93.5 % capacity retention after 1600 cycles at 10 C). Structural evolution characterization demonstrates a simple solid-solution reaction with the volume change of only 5.51 %. The LiFePO4//LNTO full cell displays outstanding cycling stability (82.8 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 C) in practical application. Relating the A-site structure to the electrochemical performance, we further provide some insights for the rational design of next-generation fast-charging electrode materials.