Graphene-encapsulated LiFePO4 nanoparticles with high electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries

Graphene-encapsulated LiFePO4 nanospheres have been developed by a solid state reaction using the graphene oxide-encapsulated FeOOH as raw materials. The LiFePO4 nanospheres with an average diameter of ~ 20 nm were wrapped tightly with a 3D graphene network. Such a special nanostructure facilitated the electron and lithium ion migration to provide good electrochemical performance, especially at high current rates. This graphene-encapsulated LiFePO4 material could deliver discharge capacities of 166.6, 108.6 and 90.6 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 C, 5 C and 10 C respectively and showed a capacity decay of < 9% when cycled 5 C and 10 C charge/discharge for 300 times.

► Graphene-encapsulated LiFePO4 nanospheres were prepared successfully.
► The LiFePO4 nanospheres showed an average diameter of ~ 20 nm.
► The existence of graphene improved the electronic conductivity.
► This material exhibited excellent rate capability and cycle stability.