Synthesis and characterization of grape-like LiFe0.97M0.03PO4/C (M=Ni, CO, Mn) composites

A grape-like LiFe0.97M0.03PO4/C (M=Ni, Co, Mn) composite is prepared by a wet-milling assisted carbothermal reduction method. It is found that Ni, Co and Mn have been successfully doped into LiFePO4 without affecting its structure from the XRD result. SEM image indicates that the powders have grape-like morphology and the particle size is 200-400 nm with little aggregation. The charge-discharge tests show that LiFe0.97M0.03PO4/C gives outstanding capacities and cycling performance, which is confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.