Synthesis of LiFePO_4/C Cathode by Sol-Gel and Calcining Method with Chitosan Monomer

The LiFePO4/C cathode materials for Li-ion battery were synthesized by sol-gel and calcining method using chitosan monomer as a carbon source and a gelating agent.The structures and morphologies were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The electrochemical performance was investigated by the galvanostatic charge-discharge test.When the molar ratios between chitosan monomer and LiFePO4were 1:1.2,the LiFePO4/C cathode calcined at 600oC showed the best performance.The particle sizes ranged 200 ~ 400 nm.The initial discharge capacity of 155 mAh.g-1was achieved at room temperature with discharge rate of 0.2C,while the capacity of 152 mAh.g-1 could be maintained after 30 charge-discharge cycles.The coulombic efficiency was 97.9%.