Synthesis of hierarchical conductive C/LiFePO₄/carbon nanotubes composite with less antisite defects for high power lithium-ion batteries

Graphical abstract: The hierarchical conductive C/LiFePO4/CNTs composite with less antisite defects is synthesized by a modified solvothemal process and delivers superior electrochemical performance with high rate capability and good capacity retention. - Abstract: The low electronic conductivity and Li ion diffusion ability are two major obstacles to realize its wide application for LiFePO₄ materials. The material with hierarchical conductive structure and lower antisite defects concentration can effectively enhance the electronic conductivity and Li ion diffusion ability. We firstly report here a modified solvothemal process for the fabrication of hierarchical conductive C/LiFePO₄/CNTs composite with less antisite defects. It is found that the modified solvothemal process is facilitated to decrease Fe_Li antisite defects and enhance the electronic continuity between LFP and CNTs. In favor of its unique properties, the C/LFP/CNTs composites can deliver superior rate capability and cycling stability. Remarkably, even at a high rate of 20C (3400 mA g⁻¹), a high initial discharge capacity of 91.6 mAh g⁻¹ and good cycle retention of 95% with almost 100% coulombic efficiency are still obtained after 100 cycles.