One-pot synthesis and electrochemical reactivity of carbon coated LiFePO4 spindles

Spindle-like carbon coated LiFePO4 (LiFePO4/C) composites have been successfully synthesized via a novel one-pot supercritical methanol method. The products were characterized by X-ray power diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The particle size, morphology and electrochemical reactivity changed with the concentration of lithium and carbon source. A possible morphology evolution process was also proposed. The glucose not only facilitates the formation of single crystalline LiFePO4, but also gives an amorphous carbon layer on the surface LiFePO4 spindles.

Highlights► Carbon coated LiFePO4 spindles have been successfully synthesized via a novel supercritical method. ► The concentrations of lithium have an effect on the morphology of carbon coated LiFePO4. ► Amorphous carbon layer formed on the surface of LiFePO4 by adding glucose. ► The carbon coating is responsible for the enhanced electrochemical performance.