Synthesis and characterization of Cu-doped LiFePO₄ with/without carbon coating for cathode of lithium-ion batteries

The Cu-doped LiFePO₄ with/without carbon coating was synthesized by sol-gel method. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and its electrochemical properties were investigated by charge-discharge tests. For the carbon coated sample presents a high uniformity and a particle size around 50-100 nm. Electrochemical tests show that the specified capacity was 102 mAh/g measured 0.25C (1.5 mA) regime discharge rate, voltage range (2.5-3.7 V). Optimization of this composite would be required, but the Cu doping and carbon coating to LiFePO₄ showed a promising material for use as cathode material in lithium ion battery.