Facilely synthesized LiFePO4 nanocomposites with excellent electrochemical properties as cathodes for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

A straightforward carbothermal reduction method was used to synthesize nitrogen-doped carbon-coated LiFePO₄ with the carbon and nitrogen sources derived from gelatin. Compared to the bare material, the particles of LiFePO₄ composites are smaller, the electrical contact between the grains is improved, and lithium ions diffuse more rapidly in the composites. As a consequence, the structural stability and conductivity are enhanced in LiFePO₄ compounds. After 500 cycles, the material delivered 138.2 mA h g⁻¹ at a multiplicity of 1C with 90.2% capacity retention. This result demonstrates that a suitable amount of N-doped carbon layer can enhance the electrochemical performance of LiFePO₄. This efficient strategy provides a facile approach to develop excellent performance LiFePO₄ materials with promising practical applications.