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Conducting network interface modulated rate performance in LiFePO4/C cathode materials

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Abstract

Carbon can play a critical role in electrode, especially for LiFePO4 cathode, not only serving as continuous conducting network for electron pathway, but also boosting Li+ diffusion through providing sufficient electrons. Here, we report the modulation of electrode/electrolyte interface to yield excellent rate performance by creating cross-linked conducting carbon network in LiFePO4/C cathode material. Such conducting networks inhibit agglomeration and growth of LiFePO4/C primary particles and hence lead to a short Li+ diffusion pathway. Furthermore, it also offers fast electron transmission rate and efficient electron for Li storage in the LiFePO4 sheath. The LiFePO4/C with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) delivers a discharge capacity of 150.9 mAh·g−1 at 0.1C (initial Coulombic efficiency of 96.4%) and an enhanced rate capability (97.2 mAh·g−1 at 20.0C). Importantly, it exhibits a high cycle stability with a capacity retention of 90.3% even after 800 cycles at 5.0C (0.85 A·g−1). This proposed interface design can be applied to a variety of battery electrodes that face challenges in electrical contact and ion transport.

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摘要

在电极中, 尤其是磷酸铁锂电极, 碳材料起着十分重要的作用。通过构建导电网络提供充足的电子, 导电碳的加入可以促进电子传输和锂离子的扩散。本研究系统考察了煅烧过程中加入不同导电剂对LiFePO4/C正极材料倍率性能的影响。碳导电网络一方面抑制了LiFePO4/C一次颗粒的团聚和长大, 维持了较短的锂离子扩散路径;另一方面它保证了储锂过程中所需充足的电子及其高传输速率。研究结果表明, 加入碳纳米管的LiFePO4/C正极材料在0.1C (1.0C=170 mA·g-1)下的首次放电比容量为159.0 mAh·g-1, 首次库仑效率为96.4%;在20.0C的大倍率下放电比容量为97.2 mAh·g-1。此外, 在5.0C倍率下循环800次后, 它的容量保持率高达90.3%, 显示出较好的循环性能。这种界面设计思路对于需要提升电子传输和离子扩散的电极材料提供了借鉴。

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Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51902108, 51762006 and 51774100), Guangxi Innovation Driven Development Subject (No. GUIKE AA19182020), Guangxi Natural Science Foundation (Nos. 2018GXNSFBA138002 and 2021GXNSFDA075012), Guangxi Technology Base and Talent Subject (No. GUIKE AD18126001) and Special Fund for Guangxi Distinguished Expert.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Energy Materials, School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi New Energy Ship Battery Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, China

    Ji-Ming Peng, Zhi-Qiang Chen, Yu Li, Si-Jiang Hu, Qi-Chang Pan, Feng-Hua Zheng, Hong-Qiang Wang & Qing-Yu Li

  2. Hubei Key Laboratory for Processing and Application of Catalytic Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, 438000, China

    Ji-Ming Peng & Si-Jiang Hu

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  1. Ji-Ming Peng
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Peng, JM., Chen, ZQ., Li, Y. et al. Conducting network interface modulated rate performance in LiFePO4/C cathode materials. Rare Met. 41, 951–959 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-021-01838-6

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