The influence of processing parameters on the electrochemical performance of sulphate based cathode materials

This project focuses on synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of the electrochemical performance of Li2Fe2(SO4) 3 as a potential novel cathode material. A sol-gel technique has been used as a basis for the synthesis method in order to control the morphology of the synthesised material. Physical characterisation included SEM and XRD. Battery cells were constructed within a controlled atmosphere glove box and the electrochemical behaviour evaluated using a computer controlled cyclic facility for up to 50 cycles at different discharge rates. Several approaches, including carbon ball-milling and the use of a nickel foam charge collector, were taken to improve the electrochemical performance of the material since its primary weakness was found to be low electrical conductivity. Through the carbon ball-milling approach the specific capacity of the material was raised to 40mAh/g from initial results of 15mAh/g. The operating voltage was also stabilized at 3.6V.