Preparation of carbon-coated LiFe0.2Mn0.8PO4 cathode material and its application in a novel battery with Li4Ti5O12 anode

LiFe0.2Mn0.8PO4 has been prepared by a solid state reaction process in combination with a ball-milling with carbon black and sucrose as carbon sources. The effects of the ratio of carbon precursors, the total carbon content, and ball-milling time on the physico-chemical and electrochemical properties of C-LiFe0.2Mn0.8PO4 are extensively studied. Under the optimal condition, the as-prepared Li Fe0.2Mn0.8PO4 gives a capacity of 150 mAh g−1 at 1/20C and 110 mAh g−1 at 1C. A novel lithium-ion battery consisting of LiFe0.2Mn0.8PO4 cathode, Li4Ti5O12 anode delivers a capacity of 70 mAh g−1 and a specific energy of 170 Wh kg−1 with an output voltage of 2.45 V based on the total weight of both active electrode materials. The cell also exhibits an excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 92% over 200 charge/discharge cycles.

► LiFe0.2Mn0.8PO4 has been prepared by a solid state reaction process.
► The effects of carbon precursors, total carbon content, and ball-milling time are studied.
► A novel lithium-ion battery consisting of LiFe0.2Mn0.8PO4 and Li4Ti5O12 was developed.
► The cell also exhibits an excellent cycling stability.