Nano-LiFePO[sub 4]∕MWCNT Cathode Materials Prepared by Room-Temperature Solid-State Reaction and Microwave Heating

The precursors of were prepared by room-temperature solid-state reaction using , , as raw materials. Citric acid was added to reduce the particle size of , and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were adopted to improve the electrical conductivity. The samples were synthesized for a few minutes by microwave heating. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize their structures and morphologies. The results showed that all samples had the same olivine phase structure. When both citric acid and MWCNTs were added, nanoparticles of homogeneously coated on the MWCNTs. An electrochemical test showed that , with both citric acid and MWCNTs addition, demonstrated an excellent electrochemical capacity of at C/2 and stable cycle ability. Citric acid expansion reduced the particle size, thus reducing the length of diffusion or improving the reversibility of the lithium ion intercalation/deintercalation. MWCNTs functioned as a lead to connect the particles and enabled active materials to transport lithium ions and electrons at fast rates.