Synthesis and Characterization of Ferrite-Based Electrode for Lithium Ion Battery

Abstract

The rising global demand for high-performance, environmentally sustainable, and cost- effective energy storage systems has been driven extensive research into advanced lithium- ion battery (LIB) technologies. Conventional cathode materials such as LiCoO2, while widely used, are hindered by the high cost, limited abundance, and toxicity of cobalt. In this context, ferrite-based materials especially those incorporating transition metals such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) have emerged as attractive alternatives due to their abundance, thermal stability, and favorable electrochemical properties. This thesis focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of ferrite-based nanomaterials, specially using lithium (Li). Fe, Mn and Ni as precursors, synthesized through the hydrothermal method. The Hydrothermal technique was selected due to its versatility in controlling particle size, morphology, and crystallinity under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions. Among the synthesized materials Ni0.7 Mg0.3Fe2O4 and Li0.5Fe2.5O4 were investigated for their electrochemical potential in LIBs. Furthermore, composite materials were fabricated by integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with ferrite structures to improve electrical conductivity, surface area, and electrochemical kinetics. The CNTs serve as conductive networks within the ferrite matrix, promotion efficient electron transport and enhancing charge/discharge capabilities. The structural, morphological, and functional characteristics of synthesized materials were thoroughly analyzed using multiple techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of spinel structure with high phase purity. Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy provided insights into the bonding and vibrational modes of the metal-oxygen frame works. UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to study the optical band gap, which is critical for assessing transitions and semiconducting behavior. Electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) revealed that ferrite-CNT composites exhibit enhanced specific capacity, improved cyclic stability, and good rate performance when compared to pure ferrite. The Li0.5Fe2.5O4-CNT composite, in particular, demonstrated superior electrochemical behavior, attributed the synergistic effects between the ferrite structure and the conductive carbon nanotubes. This research not only showcases the potential of transition metal ferrite as viable electrodes materials for LIB but also highlight the importance of hybrid nanostructures in enhancing battery performance. The work proves the way for future studies focusing on optimizing ferrite-based materials and exploring other conductive additives to further advance lithium-ion battery technology