Effects of carbon coatings on nanocomposite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

Nanocomposites of LiFePO4 and TiO2 coated with carbon were prepared by different methods. They exist in the forms of olive and rutile, respectively. Results from cyclic voltammetry show that the carbon coating markedly enhances the reversibility and kinetics of lithium intercalation into and deintercalation from the active materials. Both kinds of carbon coated nanocomposites exhibited better electrochemical performance than their pure counterparts due to the favorable carbon coatings, which provide passages for lithium ions, promote charge transfer, and prevent phase changes.