Preparation of high tap-density 9LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode material by spray drying and post-calcining method

The 9LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode material is synthesized by spray-drying and post-calcining method based on citrate. The composite is well crystallized, and contains olivine-type LiFePO4 and monoclinic Li3V2(PO4)3 phases. The composite material exhibits spherical particles in the size of 0.5–5 μm, and shows a high tap-density of 1.64 g cm− 3. The electrochemical performance of the material is excellent. At 5C and 10C rates, the sample exhibits the initial discharge capacities of 135.3 and 109.6 mAh g− 1 and capacity retentions of 96.2% and 93.7% after 100 cycles, respectively. The homogenous mixing of the LiFePO4 and fast ion conductor additive Li3V2(PO4)3, which is resulted from spray-drying, can be the reason why the composite has good rate capability.

The 9LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode material exhibits spherical particles in the size of 0.5–5 μm. The small particles fill in the gaps between large particles, which are helpful to improve the tap-density of material. The tap-density of the as-prepared powders is as high as 1.64 g cm− 3, which is remarkably higher than those of irregularly-shaped or nano-sized LiFePO4, Li3V2(PO4)3 and xLiFePO4·yLi3V2(PO4)3.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Spherical 9LiFePO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C is prepared by spray-drying and calcining method.
► The composite shows a high tap-density of 1.64 g cm− 3.
► The composite shows excellent rate capability and cycle performance.