Electrochemical performance of in situ LiFePO4 modified by N-doped graphene for Li-ion batteries

LiFePO4 modified by N-doped graphene (NG) with a three-dimensional conductive network structure was synthesized via a one-step in situ hydrothermal method. The effects of N amount of NG on the phase structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 are investigated in this study. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that doping suitable N amounts in NG do not alter the crystal structure of LiFePO4, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that NG can slightly reduce the particle size of LiFePO4. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results show that the LiFePO4 particles are well covered and connected by NG. The electrochemical performance confirms that LiFePO4 modified by 20% N-doped graphene (named LFP/NG-4) displays a perfect specific capacity of 166.6 mAh.g(-1) at a rate of 0.2C and can reach 125 mAh.g(-1) at a rate of 5 C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results illustrate that the charge transfer resistance value of the LFP/NG-4 composite is only 58.6 Omega, which is very low compared with LiFePO4. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests indicate that the addition of 20% N-doped graphene can effectively reduce electrode polarization and improve reversibility. The LFP/NG-4 composite with a three-dimensional conductive network structure can be regarded as a promising cathode material for Li-ion batteries.