Enhancing the Sustainability of LiFePO₄/C with High Performance Via Employing Lignin as Reduction Agent

There is still a considerable work in enhancing the sustainability of cathode material LiFePO₄ for lithium power batteries. Here, a new strategy is firstly reported to synthesize LiFePO₄ particles embedded in a conductive carbon matrix via a simple thermal treatment process using a waste/by-product lignin as reductant. The effects of lignin content and calcination temperature on the products are investigated in detail. The powder with lignin amount of 35 wt pct heated at 750 °C displays the best excellent electrochemical performance in Li-half cell. Specifically, the as-prepared LiFePO₄ electrode delivers a high capacity of 164.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 1C, an excellent rate capacities, and fast diffusion kinetics, as well as a long-term cycling stability about 91.3 mAh g⁻¹ over 1000 cycles at 10 C, which is comparable and even superior to the reported literatures and the LiFePO₄ synthesized from FeC₂O₄. This work can contribute to the sustainable development of highly effective batteries for electro-mobility and utility-scale stationary applications and the natural resources saving.