The synthesis of a mixed lithium titanium spinel Li4/3Ti5/3O4 obtained via
a sol-gel process in non aqueous media is reported. The electrochemical beh
aviour of the sol-gel Li4/3Ti5/3O4 spinel oxide is examined. A voltage plat
eau located at 1.55 V corresponds to the reversible insertion of 0.95 lithi
um ions in this compound while the structure is shown to be unchanged. The
chemical diffusion coefficient of lithium has been evaluated by a.c. impeda
nce: D-Li is found equal to 3 X 10(-12) cm(2) s(-1) for x = 0.2 in Li(4/3+0
.2)Ti5/3O4. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.