Synthesis and characterization of LiCo1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3PO4/C nanocomposite cathode of lithium batteries with high rate performance

Olivine structured LiCo1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3PO4/C nanocomposites were prepared by a combination of spray pyrolysis at 300 °C and wet ball-milling followed by heat treatment at 500 °C for 4 h in a 3%H2 + N2 atmosphere. The formation of a solid solution between LiCoPO4, LiMnPO4, and LiFePO4 at this composition was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with equipped energy dispersive spectroscopy verified that the LiCo1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3PO4/C nanocomposites were agglomerates of LiCo1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3PO4 primary particles with a geometric mean diameter of 107 nm and a uniform chemical composition, and carbon was well distributed on the surface of the agglomerates. The LiCo1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3PO4/C nanocomposite cathode exhibited a high discharge capacity of 159 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C in the potential range of 2.0-5.0 V, corresponding to 94% of theoretical capacity. The capacity retention was 87% after 50 cycles at a charge-discharge rate of 1 C. Furthermore, the rate capability test showed that the high capacity still was retained even at 5 C and 20 C rate with 106 and 72 mAh g−1, respectively.