The positive role of vitamin C in spindle-like LiFePO4/C cathode derived from two wastes

The switch from the wastes to the electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries is desirable for the sustainable development. In this work, LiFePO4/C (LFP/C) were extracted from two wastes (expired ferrous gluconate, spent Li foils), and the positive role of vitamin C (VC) was also further investigated. The results showed that the morphology of LFP/C was spindle-like, and VC unified the particle size, slightly increased the carbon content, prevented from the oxidation of Fe (II), and inhibited the formation of insulator Li3PO4 phase, which were beneficial to improve the electronic conductivity and Li-storage performances of LFP/C cathode. For example, the corresponding reversible specific discharge capacity was 134.6 mAh center dot g(-1) at 1.0 C for 400 cycles, higher than 123.2 mAh center dot g(-1) of LFP/C cathode. No doubt, such efforts can reduce the accumulation of the wastes and facilitate to develop the circular economy mode.

Automated summary

The research investigates the extraction of LFP/C material from wastes and the positive role of vitamin C. The results show that vitamin C can improve the electronic conductivity and Li-storage performances of LFP/C cathode. This is an important method to reduce waste accumulation and promote the development of a circular economy mode.