A novel LiFePO4/graphene/carbon composite as a performance-improved cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

A novel LiFePO4/graphene/carbon composite as a performance-improved cathode material for lithium-ion batteries had been prepared by using an in situ solvothermal method to synthesize LiFePO4/graphene powders as precursors and then followed by a carbon-coating process. The prepared samples of LiFePO4/graphene/carbon was investigated comparatively with LiFePO4/carbon and LiFePO4/graphene composites by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and various electrochemical testing techniques. The results indicated that the co-modification of LiFePO4 with graphene and carbon coating could construct an effective conducting network, which significantly enhanced the electrochemical activity of LiFePO4/carbon based composite. Particularly, the LiFePO4/graphene/carbon composite with a low content of graphene exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 163.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 114 mAh g−1 at 5 C, as well as an excellent cycling stability.

► A novel LiFePO4/graphene/carbon composite was prepared by using an in situ solvothermal method to synthesize LiFePO4/graphene powders as precursor and then followed by carbon coating. ► A 3D conducting network constructed by the co-modification of graphenen and carbon coating significantly enhanced the electrochemical activity of LiFePO4/carbon based electrode. ► With the graphene as an additive, the LiFePO4/graphene/carbon composite revealed an attractive application prospect for the cathode material of lithium-ion batteries.