Surfactant-assisted solid-state synthesis of 6LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C nanocomposite for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Herein, nanosized LiMnPO₄/C, LiMn_0.8Fe_0.2PO₄/C, and 6LiMn_0.8Fe_0.2PO₄·Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C cathode materials were synthesized by a facile surfactant-assisted solid-state method. Lauric acid was used as a surfactant and carbon source to fabricate the carbon-coated nanoparticles. The phase compositions and elemental distribution of 6LiMn_0.8Fe_0.2PO₄·Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C were analyzed via X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Due to the unique heterogeneous nanostructure, 6LiMn_0.8Fe_0.2PO₄·Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C exhibits superior electrochemical performance as compared to the individual LiMn_0.8Fe_0.2PO₄/C and LiMnPO₄/C. The composite cathode delivers large discharge capacities of 162 and 167 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1C in the voltage range of 2.0–4.5 V and 2.0–4.8 V, respectively, along with good rate capability and long cycle life.