A Novel Concept for the Synthesis of an Improved LiFePO[sub 4] Lithium Battery Cathode

Abstract

This paper describes the synthesis and the properties of a kinetically improved LiFePO 4 cathode material. The novel aspect of the synthesis is based on a critical step involving the dispersion of metal ͑e.g., copper or silver͒ at a very low concentration ͑1 wt %͒. This metal addition does not affect the structure of the cathode but considerably improves its kinetics in terms of capacity delivery and cycle life. Such an enhancement of the electrochemical properties has been ascribed to a reduction of the particle size and to an increase of the bulk intra-and interparticle electronic conductivity of LiFePO 4 , both effects being promoted by the finely dispersed metal powders. This improved conductivity favors the response of LiFePO 4 , thus substantiating its interest as new cathode for advanced lithium ion batteries.

Optimization of carbon coatings on LiFePO4

“…LiFePO 4 may be prepared by a number of different routes, including hydrothermal synthesis [12,13], carbothermal reduction [14], sol-gel [9,15,16,17] or aqueous precipitation routes [18], microwave processing [19], and solid-state synthesis under an inert or reducing atmosphere [20,21]. Samples made from precursors with organic moieties (oxalates, acetates, etc.)…”

Synthesis and characterization of Cu-doped LiFePO₄ with/without carbon coating for cathode of lithium-ion batteries

“…13) Also doping the structure with ions such as Mg +2 , Ti +4 and others have been reported. 14), 15) Croce et al 13) report the preparation and electrochemical performance of kinetically improved Cu-doped LiFePO 4 composite cathode materials.…”

“…13) Also doping the structure with ions such as Mg +2 , Ti +4 and others have been reported. 14), 15) Croce et al 13) report the preparation and electrochemical performance of kinetically improved Cu-doped LiFePO 4 composite cathode materials. The added Cu metal powders do not affect the structure of LiFePO 4 but clearly improve its kinetics in terms of capacity delivery and cycling life due to a reduction of the particle size and an increase of the bulk intra-and inter-particle electronic conductivity of LiFePO 4 .…”

Electrochemical performance of Yb-doped LiFePO4/C composites as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

“…Initially, additives were introduced to synthesize LiFePO 4 /conductive material composites, such as dispersed carbon [9][10][11][12][13][14], metal powders [15,16], and intrinsically conducting polymers [17]. However, the resuls have shown improvements on bulk conductivity without changes on any LiFePO 4 [18].…”