Synthesis and storage performance of rGO-modified LiFePO4 nanosheets with exposed (010) facet for lithium ion batteries

LiFePO4 is considered one of the most attractive cathodes for Li ion batteries. However, the electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 are seriously restrained by the intrinsic low electronic conductivity and poor Li ion diffusion. In this work, the problems will be solved by controlling the crystal orientation of LiFePO4 crystals and being compounded with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A series of experimental results demonstrate that the rGO-modified LiFePO4 nanosheets are synthesized using sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) surfactant. The structural characteristics reveal that LiFePO4 nanosheets exhibit thickness with from 50 to 80 nm. TEM results suggest that the exposed facet of the nanosheets is (010) facet. The electrochemical tests show the specific capacity retention of LiFePO4 nanosheets and LiFePO4 nanosheets/rGO is over 95% for after 100 cycles. LiFePO4 nanosheets/rGO exhibits a higher initial discharge specific capacity and more excellent rate capability than LiFePO4 nanosheets. The excellent electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 nanosheets/rGO can be attributed to nanosheet structure with short Li ion diffusion distance and rGO modification with high electrical conductivity.