Synthesis of LiFePO₄ Nanocomposite with Surface Conductive Phase by Zr Doping with Li Excess for Fast Discharging

Surface phase with ion or electron conductor is essential for the improved rate capability of mostly electronically insulating LiFePO 4 materials with only one-dimensional Li + transport. Here, a surface conductive phase, created through Zr 4+ doping in Li-excess LiFePO 4 , forms synergy with carbon coating layer to facilitate electron transportation, which greatly improved rate performance of LiFePO 4 materials. The LiFePO 4 with appropriate amount of surface conductive phase exhibits excellent rate capability with 125 mA·h·g −1 at 20 C and stable capacity retention with 98.5% for 200 cycles at 5 C. The finding provides a new idea for improved electrochemical performances of LiFePO 4 materials and contributes to the scaled-up production of LiFePO 4 materials for a low-cost route.