Facile rheological route method for LiFePO4/C cathode material production

Abstract

LiFePO4/C cathode material is largely used in Li-ion batteries due to its low toxicity, nonhazardous and high stability features. A facile and simple approach is proposed in LiFePO4/C production using low-cost materials. The effect of carbon addition during the formation of LiFePO4/C was investigated. Based on the XRD and FTIR analyses, olivine-structured LiFePO4/C cathode material was successfully obtained via methanol-based rheological method. The SEM result showed that the material has micron-sized polyhedral shape. The electrochemical performance tests were conducted in an 18,650-type cylindrical battery. The charge-discharge performances were tested at a voltage range of 2.2-3.65 V using charge and discharge rate of 1C. Based on the charge-discharge test, LiFePO4 with 30% carbon addition has the highest specific capacity of 121 mA h/g with excellent cycle and rate performance as a result of successful carbon compositing in LiFePO4 material. This approach is promising to be adapted for mass production of LiFePO4/C.