High-power LiFePO4 cathode materials with a continuous nano carbon network for lithium-ion batteries

To meet the requirements of high-power products (ex. electric scooters, hybrid electric vehicles, pure electric vehicles and robots), high-energy safe lithium-ion batteries need to be developed in the future. This research will focus on the microstructures and electrochemical properties of olivine-type LiFePO4 cathode materials. The morphologies of LiFePO4/C composite materials show spherical-type particles and have good carbon conductive networks. From the TEM bright field image and EELS mapping, the LiFePO4/C powder shows continuous, dispersive nano-carbon network. These structures will improve electron transfer and lithium-ion diffusion for LiFePO4 cathode materials, and increase their conductivity from 10−9 S cm−1 to 10−3 S cm−1. The electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/C cathode material in this work demonstrated high rate capability (≥12 C) and long cycle life (≥700 cycles at a 3 C discharge rate).