Abstract. LiFePO 4 is a type of cathode active material used for lithium ion batteries. It has a high electrochemical performance. However, it suffers from certain disadvantages such as a very low intrinsic electronic conductivity and low ionic diffusion. This study was conducted to increase the conductivity of LiFePO 4 . We have investigated the addition of Li 2 SiO 3 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to LiFePO 4 . The objective of this research was to synthesize LiFePO 4 /Li 2 SiO 3 /rGO via hydrothermal method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurement showed that the peaks corresponded to the vibration of LiFePO 4 /Li 2 SiO 3 . Further, X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement confirmed a single phase of LiFePO 4 . Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that rGO was distributed on the LiFePO 4 /Li 2 SiO 3 structure.
IntroductionMany researchers are interested in the optimization of LiFePO 4 as cathode active material for lithium ion batteries [1]. This material has several advantages, such as low toxicity, cheap, long cycle ability, and high safety [2]. It also has high electrochemical performance, such as a stable operational voltage at 3.45 V and high theoretic capacity at 170 mAh.g -1 . However, it suffers from certain disadvantages such as very low intrinsic electronic conductivity and low lithium ionic diffusion [3]. To counter these problems, several researchers have attempted to improve the electrical conductivity and ionic diffusion of LiFePO 4 with controlled morphology [4] or composites of LiFePO 4 [5].Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Li 2 SiO 3 are materials with high electrical [6] and ionic conductivity [7], respectively. With its high electrical conductivity, rGO can increase electrical conductivity of LiFePO 4 . Meanwhile, with its high ionic conductivity, Li 2 SiO 3 can improve ionic diffusion of LiFePO 4 . Therefore, the objective of this research was to composite Li 2 SiO 3 and rGO into LiFePO 4 using a hydrothermal process.