Abstract
Being considered as a high Li-ion mobility material, Nasicon structured Li1.5Fe0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 phosphate material was synthesized via sol-gel route and electrochemically tested as electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. The material was tested in half-lithium electrochemical cells, within two voltage windows, 1.5–3.0 V and 0.5–3.0 V, and delivered first discharge capacities of 129 mAh/g and 567 mAh/g, respectively. Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the material's structure before and during cycling. In addition, a comparative study of the electrochemical performance by the use of two different binders (PVDF and CMC), was conducted and showed a significant change in the electrochemical performance due to the change of the binder. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to evidence the electrodes' interface changes during cycling.
•A phosphate-based electrode material for Li-ion batteries was prepared via sol-gel method.•It crystallizes in the rhombohedral R-3c space group.•CMC Binder evidenced excellent cycling performance comparing to PVDF.•Specific capacities of 141 mAh.g−1 and 567 mAh.g−1 are reached.•Ex-situ Raman study shows an irreversible structural transition at low voltages.