Lithium Titanate (Li4Ti5O12) technology

Batteries with lithium titanate anodes (LTO, sometime also marked as Li2TiO3) have been known since the 1980s. Li-titanate replaces the graphite in the anode of a typical lithium-ion battery and the material forms into a spinel structure. Li-titanate has a nominal cell voltage of 2.40V, can be fast-charged and delivers a high discharge current of 10C, or 10 times the rated capacity. The cycle count is said to be higher than that of a regular Li-ion; the battery is safe, has excellent low-temperature discharge characteristics and obtains a capacity of 80 percent at –30°C (–22°F). At 65Wh/kg, the specific energy is low. Li-titanate charges to 2.80V/cell, and the end of discharge is 1.80V/cell. 

LTO anode material operates at a higher voltage (less negative), thus as a result the overall cell voltage is lower and hence the overheating problem with respect to electrolytes is eliminated. Also, the higher negative voltage of LTO allows them to be recharged at a higher rate, sometimes as little as five to ten minutes. Due to this higher negative voltage, the overall cell voltage is lower and hence the energy and power densities are also lower. 

The cycle life for the LTO batteries has been reported to be more than 10,000 at 80% depth of discharge. Due to the low energy and power density, these batteries may not be so attractive for traditional cheap power applications. However, the long cycle life, safety, and fast charge and discharge capabilities of LTO cells bring unique values to applications where these attributes are critical. These applications include: telecom, data center UPS, aerospace, sensors, renewable energy, and the Smart Grid.

Learn more about the LTO at EV-POWER.EU.