High C-Rate Performant Electrospun LiFePO<sub>4</sub>/Carbon Nanofiber Self-Standing Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

oleh: Debora Maria Conti, Claudia Urru, Giovanna Bruni, Pietro Galinetto, Benedetta Albini, Vittorio Berbenni, Doretta Capsoni

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-06-01

Deskripsi

In the present study, LiFePO<sub>4</sub>/CNF self-standing cathodes for LIBs are synthesized by electrospinning. A lower active material amount (12.3 and 34.5 wt%) is used, compared to the conventional tape-casted cathodes (70–85 wt%). The characterization techniques (XRPD, SEM, TEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry) confirm that the olivine-type structure of LiFePO<sub>4</sub> is maintained in the binder-free electrodes, and the active material is homogeneously dispersed into and within the carbon nanofibers. The electrochemical investigation demonstrates that higher Li<sup>+</sup> diffusion coefficients (1.36 × 10<sup>−11</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/s) and improved reversibility are reached for free-standing electrodes, compared to the LiFePO<sub>4</sub> tape-casted cathode (80 wt% of active material) appositely prepared for comparison. The 34.5 wt% LiFePO<sub>4</sub> self-standing cathode displays a lower capacity fading, good reversibility and stability, enhanced capacity values at C-rates higher than 5C, and a good lifespan when cycled 1000 cycles at 1C and further cycled up to 20C, compared to the tape-casted counterpart. Notably, the improved electrochemical performances are obtained by only the 34.5 wt% of active material. The results evidence the relevant role of the CNF matrix suitable to host LiFePO<sub>4</sub>, to promote electrolyte permeation and contact with the active material, and to increase the electronic conductivity.