title: Clusters of α-LiFeO2 nanoparticles incorporated into multi-walled carbon nanotubes: a lithium-ion battery cathode with enhanced lithium storage properties.
abstract: We report the preparation of a novel nanocomposite architecture of α-LiFeO2-MWCNT based on clusters of α-LiFeO2 nanoparticles incorporated into multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The composite represents a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. The preparation of the nanocomposite is achieved by combining a molten salt precipitation process and a radio frequency oxygen plasma for the first time. We demonstrate that clusters of α-LiFeO2 nanoparticles incorporated into MWCNTs are capable of delivering a stable and high reversible capacity of 147 mA h g(-1) at 1 C after 100 cycles with the first cycle Coulombic efficiency of ~95%. The rate capability of the composite is significantly improved and its reversible capacity is measured to be 101 mA h g(-1) at a high current rate of 10 C. Both rate capability and cycling stability are not simply a result of introduction of functionalized MWCNTs but most likely originate from the unique composite structure of clusters of α-LiFeO2 nanoparticles integrated into a network of MWCNTs. The excellent electrochemical performance of this new nanocomposite opens up new opportunities in the development of high-performance electrode materials for energy storage application using the radio frequency oxygen plasma technique.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia. m.rahman@deakin.edu.au ian.chen@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Md Mokhlesur
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: Alexey M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Glushenkov
authors.forename: Zhiqiang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiujuan J
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: Thrinathreddy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ramireddy
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen