An inexpensive preparation of unique nano-micro porous LiFePO4 cathode with excellent rate capability for lithium-ion batteries

The application of LiFePO4 cathode material in the field of power lithium-ion batteries is seriously hampered by its poor rate performance that is triggered by its inherent poor electrical conductivity and low ion diffusion coefficient. Herein, an inexpensive and facile preparation method is developed to fabricate a novel nano-micro porous structural LiFePO4 cathode using 30 nm carbon black and iron powder as direct raw materials. It is found that the added amount of carbon black is an important factor affecting the phase and morphology of the products. Optimizing the amount of carbon black, the LiFePO4 cathode with the unique nano-micro porous structure and high specific surface area could be obtained. Such unique porous architecture with a high specific surface area can accelerate lithium-ion diffusion during charge/discharge to promote its rate performance. Meanwhile, the residual graphitized carbon derived from carbon black can not only enlarge the surface pseudocapacitance under high C rates but also enhance its electronic conductivity. Benefit from the suitable pseudocapacitive behavior and high Li+ diffusion coefficient, the LFP-1.5 electrode exhibits a discharge specific capacity of 166.27 mAh/g at 0.1C and 124.95 mAh/g at 20C, indicating prominent discharge specific capacity and excellent high-rate charge/discharge capability.