Coating LiFePO4 with Conductive Nanodots by Magnetron Sputtering: Toward High-Performance Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The coating of LiFePO4 (LFP) particles with conductive nanodots is demonstrated for the first time via magnetron sputtering to improve the LFP conductivity and thus the cathode performance in lithium-ion batteries. It is confirmed by diverse characterization that the conductive nanodots-coated LFP have the same crystal structure as the pristine LFP. The conductive nanodots are found to be less than 10 nm in diameter and well distributed on the LFP surface. When used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Ag, Co, and indium tin oxide nanodots-coated LFPs show a high discharge capacity of 161.3, 154.7, and 147.9 mAh g(-1), respectively, whereas the pristine LFP has a lower specific capacity of 146.6 mAh g(-1). The coated LFP also has a higher rate capability and a lower charge transfer resistance than the pristine LFP.