Structural and Electrochemical Characterization of Pure LiFePO4 and Nanocomposite C-LiFePO4 Cathodes for Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Pure lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and carbon-coated LiFePO4 (C-LiFePO4) cathode materials were synthesized for Li-ion batteries. Structural and electrochemical properties of these materials were compared. X-ray diffraction revealed orthorhombic olivine structure. Micro-Raman scattering analysis indicates amorphous carbon, and TEM micrographs show carbon coating on LiFePO4 particles. Ex situ Raman spectrum of C-LiFePO4 at various stages of charging and discharging showed reversibility upon electrochemical cycling. The cyclic voltammograms of LiFePO4 and C-LiFePO4 showed only a pair of peaks corresponding to the anodic and cathodic reactions. The first discharge capacities were 63, 43, and 13 mAh/g for C/5, C/3, and C/2, respectively for LiFePO4 where as in case of C-LiFePO4 that were 163, 144, 118, and 70 mAh/g for C/5, C/3, C/2, and 1C, respectively. The capacity retention of pure LiFePO4 was 69% after 25 cycles where as that of C-LiFePO4 was around 97% after 50 cycles. These results indicate that the capacity and the rate capability improved significantly upon carbon coating.