Carbon Nanofibers Heavy Laden with Li3V2(PO4)3 Particles Featuring Superb Kinetics for High‐Power Lithium Ion Battery

• Published in: Advanced science 2017-09, Vol.4 (9), p.1700128-n/a
• Main Authors: Shin, Jeongyim, Yang, Junghoon, Sergey, Chernov, Song, Min‐Sang, Kang, Yong‐Mook
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: carbon nanofibers; Li3V2(PO4)3; lithium‐ion batteries; Ostwald ripening; unique structures
• ISSN: 2198-3844; 2198-3844
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700128

Fast lithium ion and electron transport inside electrode materials are essential to realize its superb electrochemical performances for lithium rechargeable batteries. Herein, a distinctive structure of cathode material is proposed, which can simultaneously satisfy these requirements. Nanosized Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP) particles can be successfully grown up on the carbon nanofiber via electrospinning method followed by a controlled heat‐treatment. Herein, LVP particles are anchored onto the surface of carbon nanofiber, and with this growing process, the size of LVP particles as well as the thickness of carbon nanofiber can be regulated together. The morphological features of this composite structure enable not only direct contact between electrolytes and LVP particles that can enhance lithium ion diffusivity, but also fast electron transport through 1D carbon network along nanofibers simultaneously. Finally, it is demonstrated that this unique structure is an ideal one to realize high electron transport and ion diffusivity together, which are essential for enhancing the electrochemical performances of electrode materials. Through controlled annealing combined with electrospinning, Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon nanofiber composed of carbon nanofiber and nanosized protruded Li3V2(PO4)3 particles is successfully synthesized. It is demonstrated that Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon nanofiber with this distinctive microstructure can deliver excellent electrochemical properties by enabling fast electron pathway along its carbon nanofiber network, and the improved lithium ion diffusivity through the direct contact between Li3V2(PO4)3 particles and electrolyte.