A molecular design strategy is used to construct ordered mesoporous Ti³⁺-doped Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanocrystal frameworks (OM-Ti³⁺-Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) by the stoichiometric cationic coordination assembly process. Ti⁴⁺/Li⁺-Citrate chelate is designed as a new molecular precursor, in which the citrate can not only stoichiometrically coordinate Ti⁴⁺ with Li⁺ homogeneously at the atomic scale, but also interact strongly with the PEO segments in the Pluronic F127. These features make the co-assembly and crystallization process more controllable, thus benefiting for the formation of the ordered mesostructures. The resultant OM-Ti³⁺-Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ shows excellent rate (143 mAh g⁻¹ at 30 C) and cycling performances (<0.005 % fading per cycle). This work could open a facile avenue to constructing stoichiometric ordered mesoporous oxides or minerals with highly crystalline frameworks.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/anie.201907748

Schematic illustration for the construction of the OM-Ti³⁺-Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ through the stoichiometric cationic coordination assembly process.