Properties of LiCoPO4-non-graphitic carbon foam composites

The properties of LiCoPO4-non-graphitic carbon foams (LCP-NGCF) composites are reported. The composites are treated at 300 °C for different times (t, from 0 to 12 h) in air, then at 730 °C for 12 h in nitrogen. The diffraction analysis revealed LiCoPO4 as major crystalline phase, Li4P2O7 and Co2P (t = 0 h), Co2P (t > 0 h) as secondary phases. The morphology consists of crystalline “islands” with spongy-like features on the surface (for t = 0 h) and with acicular crystallites of different dimensions (2–20 μm) for t ≥ 0.1 h. The voltammetric curves show reduction potential values between 4.40 V and 4.60 V. The LCP-NGCF composites deliver a discharge specific capacity of 100 mAh g−1 (t = 0 h, discharge rate of C/25 and RT) and of 65 mAh g−1 (t > 0 h). The ac-impedance analysis reveal the formation of SEI-layer after high annealing times, which disfavors the kinetics of the Li-(de)intercalation processes.