Electrochemical properties of carbon-mixed LiFePO4 cathode material synthesized by the ceramic granulation method

LiFePO₄/carbon composite cathode material was prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as carbon source by pelleting and subsequent pyrolysis in N₂. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and TGA. Their electrochemical performance was investigated in terms of charge–discharge cycling behavior. It consists of a single LiFePO₄ phase and amorphous carbon. The special micro-morphology via the process is favorable for electrochemical properties. The discharge capacity of the LiFePO₄/C composite was 145 mAh/g, closer to the theoretical specific capacity of 170 mAh/g at 0.1 C low current density. At 3 C modest current density, the specific capacity was about 80 mAh/g, which can satisfy for transportation applications if having a more planar discharge flat.