Conducting reduced graphene oxide wrapped LiFePO4/C nanocrystal as cathode material for high-rate lithium secondary batteries

Graphene-based hybrids have been widely investigated as high-performance electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. In this study, the reduced graphene oxide wrapped LiFePO4/C composite (LiFePO4/C@G) has been prepared through a conventional sol-gel approach followed by one-step solid-state reaction. The structure and morphology are investigated by XRD, Raman spectrum, SEM, EDS and TEM. In this composite, the carbon coating and graphene sheet can not only inhibit the growth of LiFePO4 particles, but also enhance the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4 material. When used as cathode material for lithium secondary batteries, the LiFePO4/C@G composite exhibits good rate capability and stable cycling performance at various current rates. These excellent performances make the designed LiFePO4/C@G electrode of great potential for large-scale applications.