Effects of different iron sources on the performance of LiFePO_4/C composite cathode materials

Olivine LiFePO4/C composite cathode materials were synthesized by a solid state method in N2 + 5vo1% H2 atmosphere.The effects of different iron sources,including Fe(OH)3 and FeC2O4·2H2O,on the performance of as-synthesized cathode materials were investigated and the causes were also analyzed.The crystal structure,the morphology,and the electrochemical performance of the prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD),scanning electron microscopy (SEM),laser particle-size distribution measurement,and other electrochemical techniques.The results demonstrate that the LiFePO4/C materials obtained from Fe(OH)3 at 800℃ and FeCeO4·2H2O at 700℃ have the similar electrochemical performances.The initial discharge capacities of LiFePO4/C synthesized from Fe(OH)3 and FeC2O4·2H2O are 134.5 mAh·g-1 and 137.4 mAh.g-1 at the C/5 rate,respectively.However,the tap density of the LiFePO4/C materials obtained from Fe(OH)3 are higher,which is significant for the improvement of the capacity of the battery.