Iron
oxyfluoride (FeOF), an intercalation-conversion material,
offers high energy density as a cathode in Li-ion batteries. Unfortunately,
sluggish reaction kinetics and irreversible structural degradation
impede FeOF application. Here, a controllable P-doping strategy is
used to develop P-doped FeOF with a nanorod morphology, and the optimal
doping ratio is reached by adjusting the phosphating time. Comprehensive
research demonstrates that P doping can broaden the Li+ transport channels and storage sites, optimize the electronic structure,
improve the Li+ migration rate and pseudocapacitive properties,
and thus enhance the Li+ transport kinetics. When the phosphating
time is 60 min, the cycle stability of the electrode significantly
improves due to the alleviation of local structural change. In addition,
the nano-size of the P-F6 electrode reduces the Li+ diffusion
distance and improves the diffusion kinetics. Therefore, the FeOF
cathode after 60 min of phosphating exhibits superior rate performance
(104.8 mA h g–1 at 1000 mA g–1) and cycle performance (209.1 mA h g–1 after 200
cycles at 100 mA g–1). Furthermore, the electrochemical
reaction mechanism of P-doped FeOF electrodes is investigated by in
situ X-ray diffraction and ex situ characterization. The proposed
P-doping strategy provides a feasible way to improve the electrochemical
performance of other intercalation-conversion materials.