Emulsion drying preparation of LiFePO4/C composite and its enhanced high-rate performance at 50°C

LiFePO4/C composite was successfully synthesized by an emulsion drying method. As confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopic observation, the prepared particle size of LiFePO4 was of about 300nm and the powder was modified by conductive carbon. Consequentially, the existence of carbon increased the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4/C composite to ca. 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 25degreesC. Because of smaller particle size and enhanced conductivity, the composite showed higher capacity about 140 mA h g(-1) (20 mA g(-1)), excellent cyclability and superior rate capability at 50degreesC, i.e., over 90mAh (g-phosphate)(-1) at a current density of 1000mAg(-1).