Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Cu-Doped LiMnPO4/C Nanorods as Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries

LiCuxMn1-xPO4/C nanorods are successfully prepared by a simple solvothermal process followed by calcination of the precursor LiCuxMn1-xPO4 and sucrose. The effects of dopant and carbon coating on the physical and chemical characteristics of LiMnPO4 are investigated. The results show that Cu successfully entered into the lattice of LiMnPO4, and induced a decrease in the lattice parameters. A thin layer of carbon coating with an average thickness of 20 nm is formed on the surface of LiCuxMn1-xPO4 particle. We also observe that the LiCuxMn1-xPO4/C nanorods have higher electronic conductivity (5.5139×10-4S cm-1) and initial discharge capacity (87.5 mAh g-1 at 0.5C) compared with pristine LiMnPO4. Based on the results above, the developed nanocomposites could have potential applications in lithium-ion batteries.