Low-temperature performance of LiFePO4/C cathode in a quaternary carbonate-based electrolyte

The low-temperature performance of LiFePO4/C cathode in a quaternary carbonate-based electrolyte (1.0 M LiPF6/EC+DMC+DEC+EMC (1:1:1:3, v/v)) was studied. The discharge capacities of the LiFePO4/C cathode were about 134.5 mAh/g (20 °C), 114 mAh/g (0 °C), 90 mAh/g (−20 °C) and 69 mAh/g (−40 °C) using a 1C charge–discharge rate. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show obviously sluggish of the lithium insertion–extraction process of the LiFePO4/C cathode as the operation temperature falls below −20 °C. Electrochemical impedance analyses demonstrate that the sluggish of charge-transfer reaction on the electrolyte/LiFePO4/C interface and the decrease of lithium diffusion capability in the bulk LiFePO4 was the main performance limiting factors at low-temperature.