High-performance mesoporous LiFePO4 from Baker's yeast

Based on the biomineralization assembly concept, a simple and inexpensive biomimetic sol–gel method is found to synthesize high-performance mesoporous LiFePO4 (HPM-LFP). The key step of this approach is to apply Baker's yeast cells as both a structural template and a biocarbon source. The formation mechanism of ordered hierarchical mesoporous network structure is revealed by characterizing its morphology and microstructure. The HPM-LFP exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances. The HPM-LFP has a high discharge capacity (about 153 mAh g−1 at a 0.1 C rate), only 2% capacity loss from the initial value after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 C. This simple and potentially universal design strategy is currently being pursued in the synthesis of an ideal cathode-active material for high power applications.

Graphical abstractA green biomimetic way for obtaining high-performance mesoporous LiFePO4 (HPM-LFP) has been found, which is to apply yeast cells as a structural template and a biocarbon source. The HPM-LFP has ordered hierarchical mesoporous network structure and exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A green biomimetic way for obtaining high-performance mesoporous LiFePO4 (HPM-LFP) has been found. ► This method is to apply yeast cells as a structural template and a biocarbon source. ► The HPM-LFP has ordered hierarchical mesoporous network structure. ► The HPM-LFP exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances.