Metal
fluorides with high redox potential and capacity from strong metal–fluoride
bond and conversion reaction make them promising cathodic materials.
However, detailed lithium insertion and extraction mechanisms have
not yet been clearly understood and explained. Here we report low-temperature
synthesis of electrochemically active FeF3/FeF2 nanoparticles by catalytic decomposition of a fluoropolymer [perfluoropolyether
(PFPE)] using a hydrated iron oxalate precursor both in air and in
inert atmosphere. Freshly synthesized FeF3 nanoparticle
delivered specific capacity above 210 mAh/g with decent cycling performance
as a Li-ion battery cathode. Both in situ and ex situ characterization
techniques were used to investigate the detailed PFPE decomposition
and fluorination mechanisms leading to FeF3/FeF2 formation as well as the lithium insertion mechanism in a FeF3 cathode. Specifically, a detailed understanding was investigated
using thermogravimetry–mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction,
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance,
transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy
dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption near-edge structure.
The novel synthesis route developed not only offers access to electrochemically
active metal fluorides but also offers a catalytic approach for decomposing
highly inert fluoropolymers for environmental protection.