Impact of Cu doping on the electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 synthesized via the solution combustion method

Abstract

LiFePO₄ faces limitations such as poor Li⁺ ion diffusion and low electronic conductivity; hence, we developed Cu-doped LFP using the solution combustion method. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the doped samples, LiFe_1−xCu_xPO₄ (x = 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06), were systematically studied. SEM analysis revealed a morphological transition from a loosely arranged structure to a more compact structure, resulting in shorter diffusion paths. Among the doped compositions, the LiFe_0.94Cu_0.06PO₄ sample demonstrated good electrochemical performance, delivering 113.6 mA h g⁻¹ at a 0.1C rate, along with an electronic conductivity of 7.27 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹. These significant improvements in Cu-doped LFP make it a promising cathode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).