Graphene Nanoplatelet Additives for High C-rate LiFePO4 Battery Cathodes

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were introduced as conductive additives in the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) composite cathode material through a facile slurry approach to study the effect on battery performance at high current rates (C-rates). The incorporation of GNPs helps to create a flexible three-dimensional conductive network through a plane-to-point connection with the LiFePO 4 particles. Comparison electrochemical testing showed that the LiFePO 4 /GNP cathode exhibited a high specific discharge capacity of ~ 153 mAh g −1 at 0.1C, improved high C-rate performance, and enhanced electrochemical reactivity. The enhanced LiFePO 4 /GNP battery performance can be attributed to the better electronic transport properties facilitated by the capability of GNP to bridge multiple LFP particles owing to its larger surface area. Our results inform the ongoing effort in finding LiFePO 4 cathodes that can perform at high current rates as the demand increases for lithium-ion battery usage.