Surfactant-assisted synthesis of hybrid lithium iron phosphate nanoparticles for enhancing electrochemical performance

• Published in: Journal of solid state chemistry 2013-01, Vol.197, p.53-59
• Main Authors: Min Kim, Jung, Yi, Gi-Ra, Chang Lee, Soon, Moon Lee, Sang, Jo, Younghun, Kang, Hyun-Wook, Lee, Gaehang, Jin Kim, Hae
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Block copolymers; Carbon; Chemistry; COPOLYMERS; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crystallinity; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Discharge; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrochemistry; Electrodes: preparations and properties; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; GRAPHITE; HYBRIDIZATION; IRON PHOSPHATES; Li-ion battery; LiFePO4; LITHIUM; LITHIUM IONS; MATERIALS SCIENCE; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY; Nanostructure; NANOSTRUCTURES; NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE; Other topics in nanoscale materials and structures; Phosphates; Physics; SYNTHESIS; Triblock copolymer; X-RAY DIFFRACTION
• ISSN: 0022-4596; 1095-726X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2012.08.018

Hybrid nanoparticles of LiFePO4 with carbon and lithium phosphates were synthesized through organic–inorganic co-assembly procedure using a triblock copolymer (F108 or P123). We found that the triblock copolymers play a critical role in controlling size of hybrid particle and the degree of crystallinity of the inorganic nanostructures. The hybrid using P-123 had more graphitic carbon which resulted in fast electron mobility. Also, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) revealed that the crystallinity of the hybrid using P123 is higher than that using F108 which is not measurable in X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical performance of the hybrid using P123 as a cathode material in Li-ion batteries showed superior rate capability at 20C of charging rate and 2C of discharging rate without capacity loss, in which discharge capacity was 102mAh/g. Hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized through organic–inorganic co-assembly based on synthetic procedure of mesoporous materials. P123-LFP showed superior high-rate capability at a 20C charging rate and 2C discharging rate without capacity loss in Li-ion battery. [Display omitted] ► LiFePO4 nanohybrids are synthesized through the organic–inorganic co-assembly method. ► Copolymers (F108 or P123) serve as structure directing agents and a carbon source. ► P123 produces more graphitic carbon and higher crystalline nanohybrids. ► Nanohybrids using P123 show superior rate capability in Li-ion battery.