Carbon nanotube-embedding LiFePO4 as a cathode material for high rate lithium ion batteries

Carbon nanotube-embedding LiFePO4 is synthesized via a solution-based two-step method. The embedded carbon nanotubes are found to improve electron and ion transfer, resulting in excellent high rate capability. An electrode of the nanocomposite, prepared without additional conducting agent, delivers a discharge capacity of 165 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, 120 mAh g−1 at 30 C, and 78 mAh g−1 at 120 C, based on the weight of LiFePO4. Furthermore, the discharge curve at a discharge rate of 60 C retains the potential plateau above 3.0 V.