Nanoscale networking of LiFePO(4) nanorods synthesized by a microwave-solvothermal route with carbon nanotubes for lithium ion batteries

作者：Muraliganth Theivanayagam; Murugan Arumugam Vadivel; Manthiram Arumugam^*

来源：Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2008, 18(46): 5661-5668.

DOI：10.1039/b812165f

LiFePO(4) nanorods with a controlled size have been synthesized by a rapid microwave-solvothermal method within 5 minutes at temperatures as low as 300 degrees C without requiring any post annealing in reducing gas atmospheres. Subsequently, the LiFePO(4) nanorods have been networked with electronically conducting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at ambient -temperature to overcome the poor electronic conductivity limitation of LiFePO(4). The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microcopy, and electrochemical measurements in lithium cells. The aspect ratio of the LiFePO(4) nanorods has been varied by changing the reactant concentrations and reaction conditions. The LiFePO(4)-MWCNT nanocomposite offers enhanced discharge capacity (161 mAh/g) with excellent capacity retention and power capability compared to the pristine LiFePO(4) nanorods (146 mAh/g) due to the electronically conductive nanoscale networking provided by the carbon nanotubes. The synthesis and processing approach presented here offer a simple, cost effective method to obtain high performance LiFePO(4).

• 出版日期2008