Highly efficient synthesis of nano LiMn0.90Fe0.10PO4/C composite via mechanochemical activation assisted calcination

Among various lithium-ion batteries cathode materials, olivine-type phosphate LiMnPO4 has the advantages of high working voltage, superior theoretical energy density and high stability, however, its electronic and ionic insulation limit its application. In this work, LiMn0.90Fe0.10PO4/C ([email protected]) nano composites are prepared via a mechanochemical activation assisted carbothermal reduction method, and the consequence of carbon coating amount on the electrochemical performance of the materials is discussed in detail. The results of physical and chemical properties analysis show that the mechanical liquid activation process can effectively reduce the particle size of the precursor to nanometer scale and make the raw material mixed evenly. The high crystallinity, particle nanometrization and uniform carbon coating enable [email protected] composites with excellent electrochemical performance even when a small amount of carbon coating is introduced. Under an optimizing coated carbon amount of 2.5 wt%, the material showed ∼4.0 V and ∼3.6 V voltage platforms at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2C, and released discharge specific capacities of ∼155 mAh·g−1 and ∼140 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 and 1C, respectively. It also shows optimal cycling stability with a capacity retention rate ∼100% after 100 cycles at 2C.