Influence of particle size and fluorination ratio of CFx precursor compounds on the electrochemical performance of C–FeF2 nanocomposites for reversible lithium storage

Systematical studies of the electrochemical performance of CF x -derived carbon-FeF2 nanocomposites for reversible lithium storage are presented. The conversion cathode materials were synthesized by a simple one-pot synthesis, which enables a reactive intercalation of nanoscale Fe particles in a CF x matrix, and the reaction of these components to an electrically conductive C-FeF2 compound. The pretreatment and the structure of the utilized CF x precursors play a crucial role in the synthesis and influence the electrochemical behavior of the conversion cathode material. The particle size of the CF x precursor particles was varied by ball milling as well as by choosing different C/F ratios. The investigations led to optimized C-FeF2 conversion cathode materials that showed specific capacities of 436 mAh/g at 40 °C after 25 cycles. The composites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction measurements, electron energy loss spectroscopy and TEM measurements. The electrochemical performances of the materials were tested by galvanostatic measurements.