High-Performance Carbon-LiMnPO4 Nanocomposite Cathode for Lithium Batteries

A cathode material of an electrically conducting carbon-LiMnPO4 nanocomposite is synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis followed by ball milling. The effect of the carbon content on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of this material is extensively studied. A LiMnPO4 electrode with 30 wt% acetylene black (AB) carbon exhibits an excellent rate capability and good cycle life in cell tests at 55 and 25 degrees C. This electrode delivers a discharge capacity of 158 mAh g(-1) at 1/20 C, 126 mAh g(-1) at 1 C, and 107 mAh g(-1) at 2 C rate, which are the highest capacities reported so far for this type of electrode. Transmission electron microscopy and Mn dissolution results confirm that the carbon particles surrounding the LiMnPO4 protect the electrode from H F attack, and thus lead to a reduction of the Mn dissolution that usually occurs with this electrode. The improved electrochemical properties of the C-LiMnPO4 electrode are also verified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.