Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Thick LiFePO4 Electrodes via Mechanofusion-Assisted Dual Carbon Coating
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is attracting attention for its low cost, excellent stability, and eco-friendliness. However, LFP has a relatively low theoretical capacity, operating voltage, and low electrical conductivity. To improve the disadvantages of LFP, LFP carbon coating technology is essential. In this paper, a double carbon coating was performed on LFP using a mechanofusion process. The synthesized carbon coating LFP was structurally analyzed, and the electrochemical performance was evaluated by manufacturing a thick electrode. The optimized composition, LFP@C5, exhibited the lowest charge transfer resistance (423 Ω), excellent rate performance of 21.3 mAh g-1 at 5.0 C, and an improved capacity retention of 29.4 % after 100 cycles at 1.0 C. LFP@C5 has a continuous conductive network within the electrode that reduces electrode/electrolyte interfacial resistance and improves electrochemical performance in the thick film electrode. As a result, the mechanofusion-based dual carbon coating strategy enhances the cycling stability and high-rate performance of thick LFP electrodes.