One-pot coating of LiCoPO4/C by a UiO-66 metal-organic framework

Abstract

LiCoPO4(LCP) is a promising high voltage cathode material but suffers from low conductivity and poor electrochemical properties. These properties can be improved by coating with a conductive carbon layer. Ongoing research is focused on the protective layer with good adhesion and inhibition of electrolyte decomposition reactions. In the present work, we suggest a new robust one-pot procedure, featuring the introduction of UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles during LCP synthesis to create a metal-carbon layer upon annealing. The LiCoPO4/C@UiO-66 was synthesizedviathe microwave-assisted solvothermal route, and 147 mA h g−1discharge capacity was obtained in the first cycle. The MOF acts as a source of both carbon and metal atoms, which improves conductivity. UsingoperandoX-ray absorption spectroscopy upon cycling, we identify two Co-related phases in the sample and exclude the olivine structure degradation as an explanation for a long-term capacity fade.