Spherical LiCoBO3 particles prepared via a molten salt method for lithium ion batteries

LiCoBO3/ketjen black composites were prepared at a moderate temperature of 450 °C by a molten salt method using eutectic mixtures of LiCl and KCl as the reaction medium and ketjen black as a carbon source. The monoclinic structure and spherical morphology are respectively confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior was studied by galvanostatic charge–discharge and cyclic voltammetry tests. At a rate of C/20, the composite delivered an initial specific capacity of 48 mA h g−1 and a discharge specific capacity of 40 mA h g−1 at the 25th cycle, indicating a stable cycling performance. However, rate capability for the composite needs to be further improved.