Biosynthesis and characterization of LiFePO4/C composite using Baker's yeast

Abstract

Based on the biosynthesis method, an ellipsoidal LiFePO4 /C composite is successfully prepared by a simple and effective biomimetic hydrothermal method. Baker's yeast cells not only as structural templates but also as bio-carbon sources in the process of biosynthesis. As a result, the best LiFePO4 /C composite shows a very high capacity of 158.6mAh g -1 at 0.1C, which is much higher than pristine LiFePO4 material (124.7mAh g -1 at 0.1C). Also, cyclic voltammogram and electrochemical impedance spectra measurement demonstrate that the LiFePO4 /C composites with Baker's yeast cells have excellent and reversible electrochemical performance. Therefore, biosynthesis would become an effective method for making high-power lithium ion batteries.