Characterization and Electrochemical Performance of ZnO Modified LiFePO4/C Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

To improve the electrical conductivity of LiFePO4 cathode materials, the ZnO modified LiFePO4/C cathode materials are synthesized by a two-step process including solid state synthesis method and precipitation method. The structures and compositions of ZnO modified LiFePO4/C cathode materials are characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, which indicates that the existence of ZnO has little or no effect on the crystal structure, particles size and morphology of LiFePO4. The electrochemical performances are also characterized and analyzed with charge-discharge test, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the existence of ZnO improves the specific capability and lithium ion diffusion rate of LiFePO4 cathode materials and reduces the charge transfer resistance of cell, and the one with 3 wt% ZnO exhibits the best electrochemical performance.