Enhanced electrochemical properties of LiMnPO4/C via doping with Cu

Li_0.98Cu_0.01MnPO₄/C composite cathode materials for lithium ion battery are synthesized by sol-gel method followed by heat treatment in the air. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy measurements show that both firing temperature and carbon content affect the morphology of the end products. X-ray powder diffraction analysis indicates that the samples are olivine-structured. The galvanostatic charge?Cdischarge results show that the optimal firing temperature registers 500°C and that the electrochemical performances of Li_0.98Cu_0.01MnPO₄/C are improved by elevating its carbon amount. The cyclic ability and rate performances of LiMnPO₄ are greatly improved by doping Cu.