Ge, H.Cui, L.Zhang, B.Ma, T.Song, X.2017-08-092017-08-092016Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2016; 4(43):16886-168952050-74882050-7496http://hdl.handle.net/2440/106680Accepted 5th October 2016Spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (LTO) has been widely studied as a promising anode material due to its outstanding structural stability and remarkable safety. However, the poor electron conductivity and low lithium-ion diffusion coefficient seriously limit its rate capability for the application in power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we demonstrate rationally designed Ag quantum dot (QD) modified LTO/TiO₂ nanosheets (Ag-LTO/TiO₂ NSs) synthesized via a facile hydrothermal process followed by heat treatment, highlighting simultaneously the promotion of electron conductivity and lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. The newly prepared Ag-LTO/TiO₂NSs deliver an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 177 mA h g⁻¹at 0.5C and a superior rate performance of more than 148 mA h g⁻¹ at 30C between 1.0 and 2.5 V. The achieved superior electrochemical performance largely surpasses that of the state-of-the-art LTO-based materials for LIBs. The present work provides a facile yet effective approach to significantly boost the high rate capability of LTO/TiO₂composites. These novel quantum dot modified 2-dimensional (2D) materials will pave the way to a new family of carbon-free anode materials in response to the increasing demands for high-power energy storage.enThis journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016Journal article003007224810.1039/c6ta06874j0003878787000162-s2.0-84994234943278553