Nitrogen-doped carbon decorated LiFePO4 composite synthesized via a microwave heating route using polydopamine as carbon–nitrogen precursor

Nitrogen-doped carbon decorated LiFePO4 composite have been synthesized by using polydopamine as carbon–nitrogen precursor and investigated as a promising cathode for lithium-ion batteries. XRD patterns indicate that the nitrogen-doped carbon decorated LiFePO4 has an olivine structure. TEM result shows that a uniform thin nitrogen-doped carbon layer with a thickness of about 3 nm is successfully coated on the surface of LiFePO4 particles. Compared with the pristine LiFePO4 sample, the nitrogen-doped carbon decorated LiFePO4 composite has a high discharge capacity, good rate capability and stable cycling performance. The excellent electrochemical performance should be attributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity and increased Li+ ion diffusion of the electrode by the coating with nitrogen-doped carbon.