In-situ generation of Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite as cathode material for lithium ion battery

•A Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite is prepared via thermal vapor deposition technology.•The Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite is free from impurity and coated with carbon layer.•The Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite exhibits good rate capability and cycling stability.•Lithium benzoate serves as both lithium and carbon sources.

A Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite is prepared via solvothermal method in combination with carbon coating technology. The as-prepared Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite is a single phase Li2FeSiO4 with nano-tickness coated carbon layer and connected by the mutual cross-linked carbon conductive matrix. As cathode material for lithium ion battery, the composite delivers a discharge capacity of 154 mAh g−1 at 1 C and exhibits good rate capability with a discharge capacity of 106 mAh g−1 at the rate of 10 C, which is ascribed to the small particle size and enhanced electronic conductivity using carbon coating technology. The as-prepared Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite also behaves a good cycling stability with capacity retention of over 100 cycles.