Olivine-Carbon Nanofibrous Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Olivine (LiFePO4)-carbon nanofibre composites were synthesized through a combination of electrospinning and solvothermal methods. Morphology, distribution and crystal structure of these composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrochemical properties of synthesized LiFePO4-carbon fibre composite cathodes have been studied in litium ion coin cells by means of galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry. As compared to pristine LiFePO4, there was significant improvement in the specific capacity (˜25% at 0.1C rate) of LiFePO4 - ECNF owing to the improved conductivity.