Nanoparticle Li2FeSiO4 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Nano-sized Li2FeSiO4 particles are successfully synthesized by sol-gel method using as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the monoclinic structure with a space group of P2(1). The TEM images show that the primary size of Li2FeSiO4 nanoparticle is 20-40 nm. The Li2FeSiO4 nanoparticle is coated by a very thin film of amorphous carbon, the carbon content is 10.06%. The Li2FeSiO4 electrode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 880 mA h g(-1), which is much higher than graphitic anodes. The specific discharge capacity of the Li2FeSiO4 electrode at 500 mA g(-1) is 235 mA h g(-1). The electrode delivers a specific discharge capacity of about 449 mA h g(-1) at the current density of 100 rnA g(-1) even after 173 cycles. The electrochemical procedures of the Li2FeSiO4 electrode are emphasized by ex-situ XRD, XPS and cyclic voltammograms. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.