Synthesis and characterization of nano-LiFePO4/carbon composite cathodes from 2-methoxyethanol–water system

Using 2-methoxyethanol–water solution as the media, nano-LiFePO4/carbon composite cathodes material have been synthesized via a simple and new sol–gel route from iron nitrate, lithium dihydrogen phosphate. X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope observations showed that LiFePO4 with a well-crystallized olivine structure appeared in the heat-treated powder and the average particle size was about 65 nm with uniform distribution. In the process of heat treatment, the sucrose decomposed on the surface of LiFePO4 particles to in situ form carbon conductive webs structure. The favorable physical characteristics of the nano-LiFePO4/carbon composite materials exhibited excellent rate performance and cyclability, delivering a discharge capacity of 103 mAh g−1 (10C charge/discharge rate) after 50 cycles.