Electrospun LiFe_1−yMn_yPO₄/C Nanofiber Composites as Self‐Supporting Cathodes in Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Abstract LiFe 1−y Mn y PO 4 /C nanofiber composites are applied as cathode materials in Li‐ion batteries and their electrochemical properties are explored. Nanofiber meshes are synthesized via electrospinning of commercially available precursors (LiOH·H 2 O, FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O, MnSO 4 ·H 2 O, H 3 PO 4 , and polyvinylpyrrolidone). Nanofibers calcined at 850 °C under Ar/H 2 (95/5 vol%) atmosphere are directly used as self‐supporting electrodes in Swagelok half cells without the need for any conductive additive or polymer binder. The morphology, phase, and chemical composition of as‐prepared and heat‐treated samples are analyzed by means of X‐ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and electron and scanning microscopy techniques. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller gas adsorption–desorption measurements show a high specific surface area (111m 2 g −1 ) for LiFe 0.5 Mn 0.5 PO 4 . The influence of different Fe/Mn ratios on the morphology, electrical, and electrochemical performances are analyzed.