Solvent-assisted solution combustion synthesis of the LiFePO4/C cathode material for Li-ion storage.

LiFePO4, with a high specific capacity, thermal and chemical stability, and long-term cyclability, is a good cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. In this research, the main aim was to investigate the effect of solvent type-water, ethanol, methanol, a water-50 Vol. % methanol mixture, and a water-50 Vol. % ethanol mixture-on the electrochemical performance and morphology of LiFePO4/C powders prepared by the solution combustion method. The physicochemical characteristics were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and various electrochemical techniques. The LiFePO4/C powders prepared with a mixed water-50 Vol % ethanol solvent exhibited a discharge specific capacity of 105 mAh g-1 at a current rate of 1C and a capacity retention of 80% after 3000 cycles at 10C.