Polyhedral LiNi _0.5 Mn _1.5 O ₄ exhibiting superior rate and cyclability represents the first experimental evidence for lattice-plane anisotropy.

The thermal stability of the polyethylene (PE) separator is of utmost importance for the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Although the surface coating of PE separator with oxide nanoparticles can improve thermal stability, some serious problems still exist, such as micropore blockage, easy detaching, and introduction of excessive inert substances, which negatively affects the power density, energy density, and safety performance of the battery. In this paper, TiO₂ nanorods are used to modify the surface of the PE separator, and multiple analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, DSC, EIS, and LSV) are utilized to investigate the effect of coating amount on the physicochemical properties of the PE separator. The results show that the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and electrochemical properties of the PE separator can be effectively improved via surface coating with TiO₂ nanorods, but the degree of improvement is not directly proportional to the coating amount due to the fact that the forces inhibiting micropore deformation (mechanical stretching or thermal contraction) are derived from the interaction of TiO₂ nanorods directly “bridging” with the microporous skeleton rather than those indirectly “glued” with the microporous skeleton. Conversely, the introduction of excessive inert coating material could reduce the ionic conductivity, increase the interfacial impedance, and lower the energy density of the battery. The experimental results show that the ceramic separator with a coating amount of ~0.6 mg/cm² TiO₂ nanorods has well-balanced performances: its thermal shrinkage rate is 4.5%, the capacity retention assembled with this separator was 57.1% under 7 C/0.2 C and 82.6% after 100 cycles, respectively. This research may provide a novel approach to overcoming the common disadvantages of current surface-coated separators.

The spherical α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles with the average particle size of 50 nm were successfully prepared by the forced hydrolysis route and hydrothermal route. Firstly, a crystallised FeOOH precursor was prepared through a forced hydrolytic route. Then, hydrothermal method was carried out with the FeOOH precursor to produce spherical iron oxide in the mixture of water and ethanol. The structure and electrochemical performance of spherical α-Fe₂O₃ materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and galvanostatic cell cycling methods. The prepared α-Fe₂O₃ material exhibited a excellent electrochemical performance. The reversible capacity was 1421.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C ratio in the first cycle and 632.1 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 C ratio (1 C ratio is defined as 6 Li⁺ per hour; 1005 mAh g⁻¹).

Lotus-seedpod structured Li₂ZnTi₃O₈/C (P-LZTO) microspheres obtained by the molten salt method are reported for the first time. The received phase-pure Li₂ZnTi₃O₈ nanoparticles are inserted into the carbon matrix homogeneously to form a Lotus-seedpod structure, as confirmed by the morphological and structural measurements. As the anode for lithium-ion batteries, the P-LZTO material demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance with a high rate capacity of 193.2 mAh g^-1 at 5 A g^-1 and long-term cyclic stability up to 300 cycles at 1 A g^-1. After even 300 cyclings, the P-LZTO particles can maintain their morphological and structural integrity. The superior electrochemical performances have arisen from the unique structure where the polycrystalline structure is beneficial for shorting the lithium-ion diffusion path, while the well-encapsulated carbon matrix can not only enhance the electronic conductivity of the composite but also alleviate the stress anisotropy during lithiation/delithiation process, leading to well-preserved particles.