Synthesis and characterization of nano-LiFePO₄/carbon composite cathodes from 2-methoxyethanol-water system

Using 2-methoxyethanol-water solution as the media, nano-LiFePO₄/carbon composite cathodes material have been synthesized via a simple and new sol-gel route from iron nitrate, lithium dihydrogen phosphate. X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope observations showed that LiFePO₄ with a well-crystallized olivine structure appeared in the heat-treated powder and the average particle size was about 65 nm with uniform distribution. In the process of heat treatment, the sucrose decomposed on the surface of LiFePO₄ particles to in situ form carbon conductive webs structure. The favorable physical characteristics of the nano-LiFePO₄/carbon composite materials exhibited excellent rate performance and cyclability, delivering a discharge capacity of 103 mAh g^-1 (10C charge/discharge rate) after 50 cycles.