Fabrication of porous platelike LiFePO4/C cathode materials via hydrothermal process

The porous platelike LiFePO4/C particles were synthesized through an in situ hydrothermal process. Citric acid or glucose was added as carbon source to conduct carbon coating and ascorbic acid served as reducing agent. The material synthesized with citric acid shows the particle size of 2–3 μm with a refined carbon coating layer and delivers a discharge capability of 152.7 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 C while the material prepared with glucose demonstrates an average size of about 2 μm with a thin carbon coating layer and exhibits a discharge capacity of 153.4 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 C. The latter has a smaller voltage difference between the charge and discharge plateaus. Both materials have negligible capability fading at 0.1 C after 50 cycles, possessing excellent cycle stability.

The sample shows the monodispersed platelike structure with porous texture. The particle size is about 2 μm; the average thickness is about 300 nm. Such a porous structure facilitates the penetration of electrolyte, providing more interface areas between the electrode material and the electrolyte. And the sufficient porosity shortens the diffusion distance of lithium ions, resulting in an improved electrochemical performance.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The porous platelike LiFePO4/C particles were prepared via a hydrothermal method.
► Citric acid/glucose served as carbon source and ascorbic acid as reducing agent.
► The citric acid produced a compact carbon coating layer.
► The glucose produced a loosened carbon coating layer.
► The sample prepared with glucose has better electrochemical performance.