MnOx–Carbon Black‐embedded LiFePO4 (MnOx/C‐LFP) as a Cathode Material for High‐Power Li‐Ion Batteries

LiFePO 4 is a promising, cost‐effective, and safe material for large‐scale energy‐storage applications, however its low intrinsic conductivity requires improvement. In order to address this issue, herein, we describe the successful sol‐gel synthesis of MnO x –carbon black‐embedded LiFePO 4 (MnO x /C‐LFP). Bare LiFePO 4 and MnO x /C‐LFP composites were characterized by scanning electron and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopies, as well as X‐ray diffraction, which revealed LiFePO 4 particles embedded in the cross‐linked MnO x /C matrix. Electrochemical studies show that the composite has a superior initial discharge capacity of 151.4 mAh/g at 1C, and a good capacity retention of 96.6% after 100 cycles, compared to the bare material (141.2 mAh/g and 92%). The improvement in electrochemical performance is attributed to facile lithium‐ion diffusion through MnO x /C nanoparticles on the surface of the LiFePO 4 cathode material. The co‐coating of MnO x and carbon black is an effective way of improving the electrochemical kinetics of cathode materials.