Engineering microstructure of LiFe(MoO4)2 as an advanced anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Graphite is considered as an ideal anode material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) due to its high stability, good conductivity and wide source of availability. However, the low energy density and theoretical capacity of graphite cannot meet the needs of high performance anode materials. To circumvent this issue, alternative materials have been sought for many years now. Herein, we report the synthesis of highly crystalline lithium iron molybdate LiFe(MoO4)(2) by combustion method and evaluated its performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Triclinic LiFe(MoO4)(2) crystals having particle size 2-5 mu m with good crystallinity were obtained. The material shows long cycle life and high rate performance than commercial graphite and exhibits first reversible discharge capacity of 931.6 mAh/g at a current density of 100 mA/g which is three times higher than commercial graphite. The high specific capacity together with the outstanding rate and cycle performance makes LiFe(MoO4)(2) a promising anode material for LIB. A detailed analysis on the crystal structure and electronic properties of LiFe(MoO4)(2) is presented based on DFT studies to complement the experimental observations.

Automated summary

The study reports the synthesis of triclinic LiFe(MoO4)(2) as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries through combustion method, showing better cycle life and rate performance than commercial graphite, indicating high potential.