To address the existing problems
of commercial inorganic
cathodes,
including relatively low capacity, poor rate performance, structural
instability, and low conductivity, it is critical to introduce a conductive
matrix accompanied with electrochemical activity. Conductive polymers
have great potential as electrodes with good conductivity, high redox
activity, and potential. In this study, carbon-coated lithium iron
phosphate (C-LiFePO4) nanoparticles were effectively dispersed
in a polypyrrole (PPy) matrix by in situ pulverization. PPy, as an
active nanostructure, significantly improves conductivity and accelerates
Li+ diffusion. To further explore the synergy and symbiosis
mechanism of PPy and C-LiFePO4 (hereinafter called C-LFP
in the composite), the nanoparticle dispersion, carburization dependence,
and heat treatment preference were investigated. Therefore, a reasonable
amount of PPy (25 wt %) hybridization, a moderately wrapped carbon
buffer layer (5.3 wt %), and a suitable heat treatment (100 °C)
were employed to prepare the (C-LFP)0.75(PPy)0.25 nanocomposite. With a smaller particle size, uniformly dispersed
morphology, and good synergy effect between PPy and C-LiFePO4, (C-LFP)0.75(PPy)0.25 delivers a high discharge
capacity (209.1 mAh g–1 at 0.1C), a superior rate
capability (86.1 mAh g–1 at 10C), and an outstanding
capacity retention (83.5% of the initial values after 500 cycles at
0.5C).