Abstract
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In this investigation, the synthesis strategy is involved the creation of LiFePO4–Fe2P–C composites with
a porous conductive architecture, which includes distinct regions or clusters containing antiferromagnetic
LiFePO4 in close proximity to ferromagnetic Fe2P. The microstructure is achieved by using a simple
ultra-fast solvent assisted manual grinding method, combined with solid state reaction, which can replace
the time-consuming high energy ball milling method. The crystalline structure, morphology, and electrochemical
characterization of the synthesised product are investigated systematically. The electrochemical
performance is outstanding, especially the high C rate. The composite cathode is found to display specific
capacity of 167 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and 146 mAh g−1 at 5 C after 100 cycles, respectively. At the high
current density of 1700 mA g−1 (10 C rate), it exhibits long-term cycling stability, retaining around 96%
(131 mAh g−1) of its original discharge capacity beyond 1000 cycles, which can meet the requirements of
a lithium-ion battery for large-scale power applications. The obtained results have demonstrated that the
fabrication of samples with strong and extensive antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interface coupling
of LiFePO4/Fe2P provides a versatile strategy toward improving the electrochemical properties of LiFePO4
materials and also opens up a new window for material scientists to further study the new exchange bias
phenomenon and its ability to enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery electrode.