Porous microspheres consisting of carbon-modified LiFePO4 grains prepared by a spray-drying assisted approach using cellulose as carbon source

Porous microspheres composing of carbon-modified LiFePO 4 (C/LFP) nanoparticles have been prepared successfully by a spray-drying process combined with a calcination step using cellulose as carbon source. LiOH plays duple roles as agency for dissolving cellulose with aqueous solution and source of lithium for LiFePO 4 . The synthesized C/LFP composite microspheres are rich in porosity, and all the C/LFP microspheres consist of numerous LiFePO 4 grains with a diameter of about 200 nm. In addition, the individual LiFePO 4 grains are encapsulated by the carbon matrix derived from cellulose. The carbon cladding enhances the electronic conductivity of LiFePO 4 , while the porous structure shortens the Li + diffusion distance and facilitates the penetration of electrolyte when the C/LFP composites are used as cathode material for the battery. Hence, the unique composites delivered an initial specific discharge capacity of 165 mAh g −1 and showed good rate performance. Graphical abstract Porous microspheres composing of carbon-modified LiFePO 4 nanoparticles (C/LFP) have been prepared successfully by a spray-drying process combined with a calcination step using cellulose as the carbon source. The synthesized C/LFP composite microspheres are rich in porosity, and all the C/LFP microspheres consist of numerous LiFePO 4 grains with a diameter of about 200 nm. As a result, the unique composites delivered an initial specific discharge capacity of 165 mAh g −1 and showed good rate performance.