采用复合锂源制备的LiFePO4/C材料及其碳含量优化

采用Li_2CO_3与Li OH·H_2O为复合锂源制备LiFePO_4/C材料,同时优化了材料中的碳含量。由于氢氧化锂的熔点低于碳酸锂,在同样的烧结温度下,采用复合锂源可以获得更佳的熔融状态,在高温合成过程中使锂离子具有更高的扩散性,能够更顺利地得到高纯度的LiFePO_4晶相。通过优化碳包覆量达到提高导电性与控制晶粒尺寸的目的,使材料晶相结构完整,纯度高,表现出优秀的加工性能与电化学性能。所制得的LiFePO_4/C材料放电克容量达到158.2 m Ah·g~(-1),在全电池中经过100 d存储后容量保持率仍然高于94.0%,具有优异的长期可靠性。     

Effect of synthesis temperature,time, and carbon content on the properties and lithium-ion diffusion of LiFePO4/C composites

LiFePO₄/C cathode materials were synthesized by hydrothermal process and subsequently annealed process. The influence of the processing parameters on the structure properties including crystallite size, lattice parameters, and (020) crystallographic direction of the samples prepared at different conditions were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). In order to determine the influence of vacancies and inter-site Fe mixing on the lithium diffusion coefficients, the subsequent electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) measurements and cyclic voltammogram (CV) measurements were carried out. We believe that the sample prepared at optimized conditions of synthesis temperature at 180 °C for 3 h and subsequently calcined at 750 °C for 60 min with the mass ratio (LiFePO₄ precursor to glucose) of 1:0.1 had higher purity, higher crystallinity, some preferred crystal orientation with a (020) texture, and higher lithium diffusion coefficients, moreover, exhibits excellent rate performance and cycling stability at room temperature.     

LiFePO4/C composites from carbothermal reduction method

Using the cheap raw materials lithium carbonate, iron phosphate, and carbon, LiFePO₄/C composite can be obtained from the carbothermal reduction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) observations were used to investigate the structure and morphology of LiFePO₄/C. The LiFePO₄ particles were coated by smaller carbon particles. LiFePO₄/C obtained at 750 °C presents good electrochemical performance with an initial discharge capacity of 133 mAh/g, capacity retention of 128 mAh/g after 20 cycles, and a diffusion coefficient of lithium ions in the LiFePO₄/C of 8.80?×?10^?13 cm²/s, which is just a little lower than that of LiFePO₄/C obtained from the solid-state reaction (9.20?×?10^?13 cm²/s) by using FeC₂O₄ as a precursor.     

Benchmarking and analysis of 6Li neutron depth profiling of lithium ion cell electrodes

The University of Texas at Austin Neutron Depth Profiling (UT-NDP) facility was utilized to analyze varying cathode compositions in lithium battery materials. Battery materials included LiCoO₂, LiMn_1/3Ni_1/3Co_1/3O₂, and LiFePO₄. The cells were made at The University of Texas at Austin as coin cells with lithium anodes. The NDP analysis method for Li in battery materials was benchmarked between two facilities and with computational models.     

Preparation and characterization of electrospun LiFePO4/carbon complex improving rate performance at high C-rate

LiFePO₄/carbon complexes were prepared by electrospinning to improve rate performance at high C-rate and their electrochemical properties were investigated to be used as a cathode active material for lithium ion battery. The LiFePO₄/carbon complexes were prepared by the electrospinning method. The prepared samples were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA, electrometer, and electrochemical analysis. The LiFePO₄/carbon complexes prepared have a continuous structure with carbon-coated LiFePO₄ and the LiFePO₄ in LiFePO₄/carbon complex has improved thermal stability from carbon coating. The conductivity of LiFePO₄/carbon complex heat-treated at 800 °C is measured as 2.23 × 10^?2 S cm^?1, which is about 10⁶–10⁷ times more than that of raw LiFePO₄. The capacity ratio of coin cell manufactured from raw LiFePO₄ is 40%, whereas the capacity ratio of coin cell manufactured from LiFePO₄/carbon complex heat-treated at 800 °C is 61% (10 C/0.1 C). The improved rate performance of LiFePO₄/carbon complex heat-treated at 800 °C is due to the carbon coating and good electrical connection.     

两种方法制备的磷酸铁锂/石墨烯复合材料的性能对比

以FeSO₄·7H₂O、NH₄H₂PO₄、H₂O₂、Li₂CO₃、C₆H₁₂O₆和自制的氧化石墨烯(GO)为原料,分别采用原位包覆法和非原位包覆法制备了石墨烯磷酸铁锂样品:LiFePO₄/C/G-1和LiFePO₄/C/G-2。用X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)、透射电镜(TEM)、交流阻抗(EIS)和充放电测试研究了两种包覆方法制备的样品的晶体结构、形貌和电化学性能。结果表明原位法包覆所得复合材料LiFePO₄/C/G-1具有更优秀的电性能:在2.5~4.1V充放电,0.1C和1C首次放电比容量分别为158.15和150.5mAh·g^-1,在1C倍率下循环500次后容量保持率达到98.3%。     

流变相法制备倍率性能优异的LiFePO4/C复合材料

以月桂酸为碳源和表面活性剂,氢氧化锂、碳酸锂和醋酸锂为锂源,采用流变相法制备LiFePO4/C复合材料。运用X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、粒度分析、恒流充放电测试、循环伏安以及交流阻抗测试等方法对复合材料进行表征。结果表明,不同的锂源对LiFePO4/C复合材料的结构和电化学性能均有很大影响,以氢氧化锂为锂源合成的LiFePO4/C材料展示出最佳的循环性能和倍率性能。该材料在0.1C下放电比容量为153.4 mAh.g-1,在大倍率10 C下,容量保持率仍可达76%,甚至10C下循环800次后,容量衰减率仅有4%,SEM结果显示该材料具有较小的粒径(～200 nm),且分布集中,有效提高了电子迁移速率,从而改进了LiFePO4/C的倍率性能。     

Preparation and Electrochemical Performance of V2O3-C Dual-Layer Coated LiFePO4 by Carbothermic Reduction of V2O5

The V₂O₃-C dual-layer coated LiFePO₄ cathode materials with excellent rate capability and cycling stability were prepared by carbothermic reduction of V₂O₅. X-ray powder diffraction, elemental analyzer, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectra revealed that the V₂O₃ phase co-existed with carbon in the coating layer of LiFePO₄ particles and the carbon content reduced without graphitization degree changing after the carbothermic reduction of V₂O₅. The electrochemical measurement results indicated that small amounts of V₂O₃ improved rate capability and cycling stability at elevated temperature of LiFePO₄/C cathode materials. The V₂O₃-C dual-layer coated LiFePO₄ composite with 1wt% vanadium oxide delivered an initial specific capacity of 167 mAh/g at 0.2 C and 129 mAh/g at 5 C as well as excellent cycling stability. Even at elevated temperature of 55 oC, the specific capacity of 151 mAh/g was achieved at 1 C without capacity fading after 100 cycles.     

Effects of molecular weight,heating rate,synthetic temperature and sintering duration on electrochemical properties of a LiFePO<Subscript>4</Subscript>/C cathode material pyrolyzed from lithium polyacrylate

A LiFePO₄/C composite was obtained by a polymer pyrolysis reduction method, using lithium polyacrylate (LiPAA) as carbon source and fractional lithium source, and FePO₄·2H₂O as iron and phosphorus source. The structure of the LiFePO₄/C composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The micromorphology of the precursors and LiFePO₄/C powders was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Laser particle analyzer and BET were also used to characterize the materials. It was found that the micromorphology, particle size distribution and specific surface area of LiFePO₄/C composites were greatly influenced by the molecular weight of LiPAA. The electrochemical properties of the LiFePO₄/C composites were evaluated by cyclic voltammograms (CVs), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and constant current charge/discharge cycling tests. The results showed that the molecular weight of LiPAA, heating rate, synthetic temperature and sintering duration directly affected the electrochemical properties of LiFePO₄/C composites. The sample with the optimized electrochemical properties were obtained in the following conditions, i.e., LiPAA with the molecular weight of 20,000, heating rate of 10 °C min⁻¹, synthetic temperature of 700 °C and sintering duration of 15 h.     

Improvement of overcharge performance using Li4Ti5O12 as negative electrode for LiFePO4 power battery

Liquid state soft packed LiFePO₄ cathode lithium ion cells with capacity of 2 Ah were fabricated using graphite or Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ as negative electrodes to investigate the 3 C/10 V overcharge characteristics at room temperature. The LiFePO₄/Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ cell remained safe after the 3 C/10 V overcharge test while the LiFePO₄/graphite cell went to thermal runaway. Temperature and voltage variations during overcharge were recorded and analyzed. The cells after overcharge were disassembled to check the changes of the separated cell components. The results showed that the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ as anode active material for LiFePO₄ cell showed obvious safety advantage compared with the graphite anode. The lithium ionic diffusion models of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ anode and graphite anode were built respectively with the help of morphology characterizations performed by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the different particle shapes and lithium ionic diffusion modes caused different lithium ionic conductivities during overcharge process.     

微米橄榄石型LiFePO4的水热合成优化

为深入研究大颗粒磷酸铁锂(LiFePO₄)锂离子电池正极材料的性能衰退机理并据此改善其体积能量密度和功率密度, 进而切实推进该材料在电动汽车、混合动力汽车和电站储能等领域的高效广泛应用, 本文通过优化水热合成条件制备了粒径为2 μm的均匀微米LiFePO₄颗粒粉末. 在未经任何改性(包覆或掺杂)的情况下,该材料表现出本征大颗粒LiFePO₄典型的充放电和循环性能, 可作为后续研究的代表样品进一步考察大颗粒材料相对纳米材料性能衰退的机制和根本原因, 最终通过有的放矢地改性手段获得高密度、高能量和高功率的LiFePO₄ 正极材料. 实验结果表明, 增加反应物浓度、水热温度和保温时间以及降低溶液pH 值均有利于LiFePO₄颗粒的长大. 通过比较不同粒径的LiFePO₄的电化学性能确证了其随颗粒尺寸的增大而衰退. 当颗粒大小由0.7 μm增加到16.5 μm时, LiFePO₄在0.1C倍率下的放电比容量由152 mAh·g^-1下降至80 mAh·g^-1.同时, 1C倍率下的循环测试结果表明, 颗粒尺寸越大, LiFePO₄的容量衰减愈严重.     

Electrochemical properties of single-phase LiFePO4 synthesized using LiF as Li precursor and hydrogen and carbon gel as reducing agents

LiFePO₄ samples have been synthesized by mixing stoichiometric amounts of (NH₄)₂HPO₄, FeC₂O₄·2H₂O, and LiF. During synthesis, carbon gel was used as the carbon source. Single-phase LiFePO₄ can be formed when the heating temperature ranges from 650 to 800 °C and it is decomposed into Li₄P₂O₇, Li₃PO₄, Fe₂P, and Li₃P₇ when the temperature comes to 850 °C. We find that the ratio of the lattice parameter (a/c) decreases with the increasing temperature, thereby increasing the Li⁺ diffusion channel length. Both the decrease of a/c and the abrupt crystal growth are expected to contribute to the monotonic decrease of the initial capacity of the samples. The sample heated at 650 °C with a smaller uniform particle size and relative higher specific surface area (8.2 m²/g) shows an excellent electrochemical performance. The initial specific capacity of 156.7(3) mAh/g is obtained at the rate of C/10.     

Application of 7Li NMR to characterize the evolution of intercalated and non-intercalated lithium in LiFePO4-based materials for Li-ion batteries

Different synthesis batches of LiFePO₄/C materials were prepared, and their electrochemical properties as positive cathodes for lithium-ion batteries were evaluated. Using standard solid-state NMR conditions, such as a 7-mm magic-angle-spinning probe performing at low spinning rates, information on both intercalated and non-intercalated (stored on the grain boundaries) lithium was obtained. A sharp signal assigned to non-intercalated lithium could be observed by diluting the active material in silica. Correlations could be, thus, obtained between the amount of each type of lithium and the electrochemical history and state of the material, revealing that the relative amount of surface lithium in a pristine LiFePO₄/C material is rather constant and cannot be used as a criterion for its further specification. However, a drastic increase of this surface lithium was observed in the cathode materials of out-of-order batteries. As the cathode material recovered from the batteries after electrochemical testing was carefully washed before analysis, we can conclude that the non-intercalated lithium is strongly bound to the active material probably inside the so-called solid electrolyte interface layer at the surfaces of LiFePO₄ particles. This work illustrates that solid-state lithium NMR can allow rapid characterization and testing of LiFePO₄/C cathode materials.     

Effects of carbon sources and carbon contents on the electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/C cathode material

LiFePO₄/C composites are prepared by using two types of carbon source: one using polymer (PAALi) and the other using sucrose. The physical characteristics of LiFePO₄/C composites are investigated by X-ray diffraction), scanning electron microscopy, BET, laser particle analyzer, and Raman spectroscopy. Their electrochemical properties are characterized by cyclic voltammograms, constant current charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectra. These analyses indicate that the carbon source and carbon content have a great effect on the physical and electrochemical performances of LiFePO₄/C composites. An ideal carbon source and appropriate carbon content can effectively increase the lithium-ion diffusion coefficient and exchange current density, decrease the charge transfer resistance (R _ct), and enhance the electrochemical performances of LiFePO₄/C composite. The results show that PAALi is a better carbon source for the synthesis of LiFePO₄/C composites. When the carbon content is 4.11 wt.% (the molar ratio of PAALi/Li₂C₂O₄ was 2:1), as-prepared LiFePO₄/C composite shows the best combination between electrochemical performances and tap density.     

Synthesis of nanosized materials for lithium-ion batteries by mechanical activation. Studies of their structure and properties

This short review reports on the synthesis of nanosized electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries by mechanical activation (MA) and studies of their properties. Different structural types of compounds were considered, namely, compounds with a layered (LiNi_{1 − x − y} Co _x Mn _y O₂), spinel (LiMn₂O₄, Li₄Ti₅O₁₂), and framework (LiFePO₄, LiTi₂(PO₄)₃) structures. The compounds also differed in electronegativity, which varied from 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ for LiCoO₂ to 10⁻⁹ S cm⁻¹ for LiFePO₄. The preliminary MA of mixtures of reagents in energy intensive mechanoactivators led to the formation of highly reactive precursors, and annealing of the latter formed nanosized products (the mean particle size is 50–200 nm). The local structure of the synthesized compounds and the composition of their surface were studied by spectral methods. An increase in the dispersity and defect concentration, especially in the region of the surface, improved some electrochemical characteristics. It increased the stability during cycling (LiMn₂O₄, at 3 V) and the regions of the formation of solid solutions during cycling (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, LiFePO₄), led to growth of surface Li-ion conductivity (LiTi₂(PO₄)₃), etc. The mechanochemical approach was also used for the synthesis of core-shell type composite materials (LiFePO₄/C, LiCoO₂/MeO _x ) and materials based on two active electrode components (LiCoO₂/LiMn₂O₄).     

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C cathode materials for lithium ion batteries using various carbon sources: best results by using polystyrene nano-spheres

Olivine LiFePO₄/C cathode materials for lithium ion batteries were synthesized using monodisperse polystyrene (PS) nano-spheres and other carbon sources. The structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of LiFePO₄/C were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The results demonstrated that LiFePO₄/C materials have an ordered olivine-type structure with small particle sizes. Electrochemical analyses showed that the LiFePO₄/C cathode material synthesized from 7 wt.% PS nano-spheres delivers an initial discharge capacity of 167 mAh g^-1 (very close to the theoretical capacity of 170 mAh g^-1) at 0.1 C rate cycled between 2.5 and 4.1 V with excellent capacity retention after 50 cycles. According to Raman spectroscopy and EIS analysis, this composite had a lower I _D/I _G, sp ³/sp ² peak ratio, charge transfer resistance, and a higher exchange current density, indicating an improved electrochemical performance, due to the increased proportion of graphite-like carbon formed during pyrolysis of PS nano-spheres, containing functionalized aromatic groups.     

Preparation and characterization of high-rate and long-cycle LiFePO4/C nanocomposite as cathode material for lithium-ion battery

Olivine LiFePO₄/C nanocomposite cathode materials with small-sized particles and a unique electrochemical performance were successfully prepared by a simple solid-state reaction using oxalic acid and citric acid as the chelating reagent and carbon source. The structure and electrochemical properties of the samples were investigated. The results show that LiFePO₄/C nanocomposite with oxalic acid (oxalic acid: Fe²⁺= 0.75:1) and a small quantity of citric acid are single phase and deliver initial discharge capacity of 122.1 mAh/g at 1 C with little capacity loss up to 500 cycles at room temperature. The rate capability and cyclability are also outstanding at elevated temperature. When charged/discharged at 60 °C, this materials present excellent initial discharge capacity of 148.8 mAh/g at 1 C, 128.6 mAh/g at 5 C, and 115.0 mAh/g at 10 C, respectively. The extraordinarily high performance of LiFePO₄/C cathode materials can be exploited suitably for practical lithium-ion batteries.     

Continuous supercritical hydrothermal synthesis: lithium secondary ion battery applications

Nanosized lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) and transition metal oxide (MO, where M is Cu, Ni, Mn, Co, and Fe) particles are synthesized continuously in supercritical water at 25?C30?MPa and 400??C under various conditions for active material application in lithium secondary ion batteries. The properties of the nanoparticles, including crystallinity, particle size, surface area, and electrochemical performance, are characterized in detail. The discharge capacity of LiFePO₄ was enhanced up to 140?mAh/g using a simple carbon coating method. The LiFePO₄ particles prepared using supercritical hydrothermal synthesis (SHS) deliver the reversible and stable capacity at a current density of 0.1?C rate during ten cycles. The initial discharge capacity of the MO is in the range of 800?C1,100?mAh/g, values much higher than that of graphite. However, rapid capacity fading is observed after the first few cycles. The continuous SHS can be a promising method to produce nanosized cathode and anode materials.     

Low temperature nanostructured lithium titanates: controlling the phase composition, crystal structure and surface area

Low temperature lithium titanate compounds (i.e., Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ and Li₂TiO₃) with nanocrystalline and mesoporous structure were prepared by a straightforward aqueous particulate sol–gel route. The effect of Li:Ti molar ratio was studied on crystallisation behaviour of lithium titanates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the powders were crystallised at the low temperature of 500 °C and the short annealing time of 1 h. Moreover, it was found that Li:Ti molar ratio and annealing temperature influence the preferable orientation growth of the lithium titanate compounds. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the average crystallite size of the powders annealed at 400 °C was in the range 2–4 nm and a gradual increase occurred up to 10 nm by heat treatment at 800 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis revealed that the deposited thin films had mesoporous and nanocrystalline structure with the average grain size of 21–28 nm at 600 °C and 49–62 nm at 800 °C depending upon the Li:Ti molar ratio. Moreover, atomic force microscope (AFM) images confirmed that the lithium titanate films had columnar like morphology at 600 °C, whereas they showed hill-valley like morphology at 800 °C. Based on Brunauer–Emmett–Taylor (BET) analysis, the synthesized powders showed mesoporous structure containing pores with needle and plate shapes. The surface area of the powders was enhanced by increasing Li:Ti molar ratio and reached as high as 77 m²/g for the ratio of Li:Ti = 75:25 at 500 °C. This is one of the smallest crystallite size and the highest surface areas reported in the literature, and the materials could be used in many applications such as rechargeable lithium batteries and tritium breeding materials.     

Reactivity,stability and electrochemical behavior of lithium iron phosphates

LiFePO₄ is a potential cathode candidate for the next generation of secondary lithium batteries. Its reactivity and thermodynamic stability have been determined. At low potentials it can be reduced to lithium phosphate and iron. The fully charged state, orthorhombic FePO₄, is metastable relative to the trigonal all tetrahedral form; however, the massive structural rearrangement necessary makes the structural change kinetically unfavorable at room temperature. LiFePO₄ has been prepared by a variety of routes. When synthesized at elevated temperatures in the presence of a carbon gel, only LiFePO₄ was detected by X-ray diffraction even when the starting material was LiFePO₄(OH). At a C/2 discharge/charge rate, LiFePO₄ retained about 80% of the theoretical capacity cycling at room temperature. The hydrothermal form shows some iron disorder, which impacts its electrochemical and chemical reactions.