A chemically activated graphene-encapsulated LiFePO4 composite for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Nanoscale. 2013 Sep 21;5(18):8647-55. doi: 10.1039/c3nr02738d.

Abstract

A composite of modified graphene and LiFePO4 has been developed to improve the speed of charging-discharging and the cycling stability of lithium ion batteries using LiFePO4 as a cathode material. Chemically activated graphene (CA-graphene) has been successfully synthesized via activation by KOH. The as-prepared CA-graphene was mixed with LiFePO4 to prepare the composite. Microscopic observation and nitrogen sorption analysis have revealed the surface morphologies of CA-graphene and the CA-graphene/LiFePO4 composite. Electrochemical properties have also been investigated after assembling coin cells with the CA-graphene/LiFePO4 composite as a cathode active material. Interestingly, the CA-graphene/LiFePO4 composite has exhibited better electrochemical properties than the conventional graphene/LiFePO4 composite as well as bare LiFePO4, including exceptional speed of charging-discharging and excellent cycle stability. That is because the CA-graphene in the composite provides abundant porous channels for the diffusion of lithium ions. Moreover, it acts as a conducting network for easy charge transfer and as a divider, preventing the aggregation of LiFePO4 particles. Owing to these properties of CA-graphene, LiFePO4 could demonstrate enhanced and stably long-lasting electrochemical performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Hydroxides / chemistry
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Iron / chemistry*
  • Lithium / chemistry*
  • Phosphates / chemistry*
  • Potassium Compounds / chemistry

Substances

  • Hydroxides
  • Ions
  • LiFePO4
  • Phosphates
  • Potassium Compounds
  • Graphite
  • Lithium
  • Iron
  • potassium hydroxide