LiFePO4/C ultra-thin nano-flakes with ultra-high rate capability and ultra-long cycling life for lithium ion batteries.

LiFePO 4 /C ultra-thin nanoflakes have been synthesized via evaporative self-assembly induced by squaric acid and successfully applied for cathode materials in full cell. The morphologies and structures were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Some LiFePO 4 /C nanoparticles about 40–80 nm in diameter are connected by LiFePO 4 /C ultra-thin nano-flakes which are constructed by squaric acids, other LiFePO 4 nanoparticles are embedded in the ultra-thin carbon nanoflakes. LiFePO 4 /C ultra-thin nano-flakes deliver a initial discharge capacity of 164 mAh g −1 at 0.2C rate and 92 mAh g −1 at 50 C rate. Its capacity retention is still 96% at 10 C rate after 1000 cycles. The unique LiFePO 4 /C ultra-thin nano-flakes can effectively increase the contact between electrode and electrolyte, improve the electronic and ionic conductivity and promote the transportations for lithium ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]