Cracking causing cyclic instability of LiFePO4 cathode material

The capacity of pure LiFePO4 faded gradually from initial 149 mAh g−1-117 mAh g−1 under current density of 30 mA g−1 at room temperature after 60 cycles. Some obvious cracks are observed in LiFePO4 particles after cycling. The formation of cracks would lead to poor electric contact and capacity fading. A possible mechanism is proposed for the appearance of the cracks.