High performance LiFePO4 microsphere composed of nanofibers with an alcohol-thermal approach

Abstract

A novel hierarchical nano/microstructure of LiFePO₄ microspheres consisting of nanofibers has been synthesized by a solvothermal approach with a mixture of water and 1,2-propanediol as solvent. The influences of temperature and solvent composition on the morphology and electrochemical performance of the products are investigated. The optimum temperature is 140 °C, and the optimum solvent composition is 1 : 5 for the volume ratio of water to 1,2-propanediol. The initial discharge capacity of the LiFePO₄/C microsphere electrode is high and up to 163.9 mA h g⁻¹ and the capacity increased gradually to 164.9 mA h g⁻¹ after 10 cycles, indicating the excellent stability of the materials.