Improved battery performance using Pd nanoparticles synthesized on the surface of LiFePO4/C by ultrasound irradiation

LiFePO4 has been attracting interest as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries due to its high energy density, low cost, and eco-friendliness. The electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 is limited because it exhibits low Li-ion diffusivity and low electronic conductivity. Numerous solutions have been considered, such as carbon coating, which is widely known to improve the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4. The deposition of metal nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of carbon-coated LiFePO4 further enhances the electronic conductivity. In this study, we deposited Pd NPs onto the surface of LiFePO4/C and investigated the resulting electrochemical performance. Sonochemical synthesis was used to prepare the metal NPs; the procedure did not require any surfactants and the reaction was rapid. (C) 2016 The Japan Society of Applied Physics