Three-Dimensional LiMnPO₄·Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C Nanocomposite as a Bicontinuous Cathode for High-Rate and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries

Olivine-type LiMnPO4 has been extensively studied as a high-energy density cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. To improve both the ionic and electronic conductivities of LiMnPO4, a series of carbon-decorated LiMnPO4·Li3V2(PO4)3 nanocomposites are synthesized by a facile sol-gel method combined with the conventional solid-state method. The optimized composite presents a three-dimensional hierarchical structure with active nanoparticles well-embedded in a conductive carbon matrix. The combination of the nanoscale carbon coating and the microscale carbon network could provide a more active site for electrochemical reaction, as well as a highly conductive network for both electron and lithium-ion transportation. When cycled at 20 C, an initial specific capacity of 103 mA h g(-1) can be obtained and the capacity retention reaches 68% after 3000 cycles, corresponding to a capacity fading of 0.013% per cycle. The stable capacity and excellent rate capability make this carbon-decorated LiMnPO4·Li3V2(PO4)3 nanocomposite a promising cathode for lithium-ion batteries.