The enhanced rate performance of LiFe_0.5Mn_0.5PO₄/C cathode material via synergistic strategies of surfactant-assisted solid state method and carbon coating

The rate performance of LiMnPO₄-based materials is further improved via synergistic strategies including a surfactant-assisted solid state method, Fe-substitution and carbon-coating. The surfactant-assisted solid state strategy effectively decreases the primary particle size of the cathode material, which can greatly shorten the diffusion distance of lithium ions. The Fe-substitution improves the effectiveness of Li⁺ insertion/extraction reactions in the solid phase. The uniform carbon coating layer and the conductive networks provided by the carbon between the nanoparticles ensure the continuous conductivity by the nanoparticles. As a consequence of the synergistic effects, the as prepared LiFe_0.5Mn_0.5PO₄ sample with 6.10 wt% carbon exhibits high specific capacities and superior rate performance with discharge capacities of 155.0, 140.9 and 121 mA h g^-1 at 0.1, 1 and 5 C (1 C = 170 mA g^-1), respectively. Meanwhile, it shows stable cycling stability at both room temperature (25°C, 94.8% and 90.8% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 and 5 C rates, respectively) and elevated temperature (55°C, 89.2% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 5 C rate). This material may have great potential application in advanced Li-ion batteries.