Mechanical milling assisted synthesis of novel LiTi2(PO4)3-glass-ceramic nanocomposites

Abstract

In order to enhance the ionic conductivity in Li+ ion NASICONs, LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP), novel LTP-glass–ceramic composites have been prepared by mechanical ball milling assisted synthesis route. Composites were prepared using Li+ ion oxide glassy system (Li2SO4)x-(LiPO3)100−x where x = 30 mol% and 60 mol%. The glass content in composite was fixed to 20 wt%. Structural, thermal and electrical properties of the novel composites reveal interesting results. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry confirm the formation of LTP-glass–ceramic composite. FESEM investigations performed on the samples suggest that LTP-glass–ceramics contain LTP grains of nano size with an appreciable homogeneity. In-grain (bulk) and grain boundary conductivity exhibit significant increase in the composites. A tentative mechanism of electrical transport has been proposed according to which glass–ceramic phase creates amorphous ‘Li+ ion rich regions’ at the grain boundaries/interface. Concentration of Li+ ions at the interface of LTP grains possibly leads to the enhanced electrical transport.