Boosting both electronic and ionic conductivities via incorporation of molybdenum for LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4 cathode in lithium-ion batteries

As the EV and ESS markets expand, there is a growing interest in LiFexMn1-xPO4 (LFMP) cathode materials amidst the increasing demand for LIBs. The LFMP cathode material is cost-effective and structurally stable; however, it has the drawback of low conductivity. Therefore, the development of an LFMP cathode material with high ionic/electronic conductivity is essential for high-stability and high-C-rate LIB applications. We propose a carbon-coated LFMP cathode material with Mo placed at the Fe and Mn sites. The samples were synthesized using a solvothermal method. Mo contributes to enhanced Li-ion diffusion and charge transfer rates. The XRD Rietveld refinement results showed elongated Li–O bonds within the Mo-doped LFMP/C, which accelerated the Li+ ion diffusion. Through SEM, TEM–EDS mapping, and XPS analysis we have confirmed the properties and morphology of the material. The electrochemical evaluation of the material was conducted using galvanostatic charge-discharge, CV, and EIS methods. Based on these tests, Mo incorporation not only increased the capacity but also enhanced the rate performance, reduced the voltage polarization, and improved the lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. Based on the 3.7 V additional plateau, which is attributed to the sluggish kinetics of Mn3+, Mo6+ played a role in enhancing the kinetic behavior of Mn3+. Low-temperature performance tests demonstrated that the Mo-doped samples exhibited high energy density, cycle retention, and superior ionic conductivity. In summary, an appropriate amount of Mo doping is effective for improving the electrochemical performance of LFMP, making it a promising cathode material.