Synthesis of LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C by co-precipitation method and its electrochemical performances as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

A nano-crystalline LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C composite cathode material for lithium-ion batteries was prepared by a co-precipitation method. A precursor Mn0.8Fe0.2C2O4·2H2O was prepared by using an oxalic acid solution as the precipitator. And the final product LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4 was in the size of about 30–50 nm, coated by a 2–3 nm carbon layer. The electrochemical performance tests indicated that this type of composite had excellent electrochemical performance, with an initial discharge capacity of 151.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 148 mAh g−1 for the 60th cycle. The composite showed a wonderful rate performance with 98.4 and 82 mAh g−1 at 5 C and 10 C rates, respectively.

► A homogenous Mn0.8Fe0.2C2O4·2H2O precursor was prepared by a co-precipitate method.
► Nano-crystalline LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4 was coated by a 2–3 nm carbon layer.
► The discharge capacity of LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C at 10C was 82 mAh g−1.