Synthesis of porous nano/micro structured LiFePO4/C cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries by spray-drying method

In order to enhance electrochemical properties of LiFePO₄ (LFP) cathode materials, spherical porous nano/micro structured LFP/C cathode materials were synthesized by spray drying, followed by calcination. The results show that the spherical precursors with the sizes of 0.5–5 μm can be completely converted to LFP/C when the calcination temperature is higher than 500 °C. The LFP/C microspheres obtained at calcination temperature of 700 °C are composed of numerous particles with sizes of ～20 nm, and have well-developed interconnected pore structure and large specific surface area of 28.77 m²/g. The specific discharge capacities of the LFP/C obtained at 700 °C are 162.43, 154.35 and 144.03 mA·h/g at 0.5C, 1C and 2C, respectively. Meanwhile, the capacity retentions can reach up to 100% after 50 cycles. The improved electrochemical properties of the materials are ascribed to a small Li⁺ diffusion resistance and special structure of LFP/C microspheres.