Fast synthesis of core-shell LiCoPO4/C nanocomposite via microwave heating and its electrochemical Li intercalation performances

A very simple and rapid method for synthesizing LiCoPO4/C nanocomposite has been developed via microwave heating. X-ray diffraction confirmed that nanosized olivine LiCoPO4 was successfully synthesized. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy verified that LiCoPO4 displays small powders with an average size of similar to 150 nm and is also coated with uniform amorphous carbon film of similar to 10 nm in thickness. Compared with pure LiCoPO4, LiCoPO4/C composite presented enhanced electrochemical Li-ion intercalation performances. Cyclic voltammetric and electrical tests disclosed that the Li-ion diffusion, the reversibility of lithium extraction/insertion and electrical conductivity were significantly improved in LiCoPO4/C composite. Crown Copyright (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.