Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of LiCo_1/3Fe_2/3PO₄/C composite using nano CoFe₂O₄ as precursor

LiCo_1/3Fe_2/3PO₄/C composite was synthesized by a solid state method with CoFe₂O₄ as the precursor and glucose as the carbon source. The composite consists of homogeneous Co–Fe distributed LiCo_1/3Fe_2/3PO₄ with its particles covered by nano-carbon layers, which could prevent the growth of the particles as well as form a fast path for electronic transmission during charging and discharging process. It shows excellent electrochemical performance as the cathode for lithium-ion batteries, which delivers discharge capacities of 154.6, 152.9, 135.4, 122.3, 105.2 and 91.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 C, respectively, and retains 94.6% of its initial discharge capacity after 30 cycles at 5 C. - Highlights: • Nano CoFe₂O₄ was prepared by a co-precipitation method. • LiCo_1/3Fe_2/3PO₄/C composite was synthesized using nano CoFe₂O₄ as a precursor. • Homogeneous Co–Fe distributed LiCo_1/3Fe_2/3PO₄ is obtained. • LiCo_1/3Fe_2/3PO₄/C composite exhibits a quite good electrochemical performance.