Synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/MWCNT nanocomposites for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

LiFePO4/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. MWCNT as a conductive additive were added to improve the electronic conductivity of pure LiFePO4 nanoparticles. The crystal structure and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/MWCNT nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and charge/discharge tests. It is found that the electrochemical performance of pure LiFePO4 nanoparticles is increased due to the incorporation of MWCNT where LiFePO4/MWCNT nanocomposite (5 wt % MWCNT) shows the highest discharge capacity and stable cyclability at room temperature, and its discharge capacity is 142 mAh g(-1) at a discharge current density of 0.05 mA cm(-2).