Synthesis, characterization and electrical properties of carbon coated LiCoPO4 nanoparticles.

Lithium cobalt phosphate (LiCoPO4) nanoparticles were synthesized using modified polyol process. Shape and size of LiCoPO4 nanoparticles were controlled by using poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) stabilizer. Coating of carbon over the LiCoPO4 nanoparticles was done using the resin coating process to enhance its conductivity. XRD and FTIR results respectively confirm the crystalline phase and structure of pure and carbon coated LiCoPO4 nanoparticles. SEM-EDX results confirm size and shape and also the presence of carbon over LiCoPO4 nanoparticles. Electrical conductivity of pure and carbon coated LiCoPO4 nanoparticles were evaluated by analyzing the measured impedance data using the win fit software. More than three orders of conductivity enhancement was observed in carbon coated LiCoPO4 nanoparticles when compared to pure ones. Further, transport properties like temperature dependence conductivity, AC conductivity, dielectric constant and electric modulus studies were made to find out the bulk and relaxation properties of LiCoPO4 nanoparticles.