Electrical Conductivity and Raman Spectroscopy Measurements of Electrodes for LiFePO4 Battery

Undergraduate #260
Discipline: Nanoscience
Subcategory: Civil/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Jared A. Hanley - University of the Virgin Islands
Co-Author(s): Quinton L. Williams, Howard University, Washington, DC

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The benefit of LiFePO4 as a cathode material in rechargeable batteries has sparked considerable research interest. The 2015 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Physics at Howard University provided an opportunity to examine the electrical conductivity of carbon-coated LiFePO4. 4-Point Probe resistivity testing shows that the cathode has an electrical conductivity value of σ=1.45 x 10−7 S/cm which is in good agreement with values reported in the common literature. In later research, an increase in magnitude to ∼ 10−4 S/cm is expected with the insertion of gold nanoparticles. This could place the LiFePO4 combination in the class with high rate competitors such as LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): This research was funded by the NSF and Howard University REU in Physics Site. (NSF Grant PHY-1358727).

Faculty Advisor: Quinton L. Williams,