Preparation and electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C composite with network connections of nano-carbon wires

LiFePO₄/C composite with network connections of nano-carbon wires was successfully prepared by using polyvinyl alcohol as carbon source. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic, and its electrochemical performance was investigated by galvanostatic charge and discharge tests. The experimental results show that LiFePO₄ grains are tightly connected by the network of nano-carbon wires. Moreover LiFePO₄/C composite exhibits high capacity of 168 mAh g⁻¹ applied 15 mA g⁻¹ current density (C/10), excellent cyclic ability and rate capability. When 1500 mA g⁻¹ current density (10C) was applied, the high discharge capacity of 129 mAh g⁻¹ has been obtained at room temperature.