Enhanced electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 by coating with metal-azolate framework-5 (MAF-5) as the cathode in lithium-ion batteries

UNPAD Team Boosts LiFePO₄ Cathode with Carbonized MAF-5 Coating for Fast-Charge, High-Stability Batteries (SDG 7 & SDG 9)
A Universitas Padjadjaran–led collaboration reports a simple in-situ growth + carbonization of MAF-5 on commercial LiFePO₄ (LFP). The ultrathin 1–5 nm CMAF-5 layer uniformly covers LFP particles without altering the olivine (Pnma) crystal structure, ensuring high crystallinity and clean Li⁺ pathways (XRD/FTIR, SEM/TEM).
Electrochemically, the coated cathode delivers ~160 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and ~110 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 C with excellent capacity recovery after high-rate cycling; Coulombic efficiency ~99% and low polarization resistance Rp ≈ 453 Ω underscore fast charge–discharge performance.
Impedance and CV analyses reveal enhanced electronic conductivity (σ ≈ 4.87×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) and efficient Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox with small ΔE ≈ 0.34 V, evidencing improved charge transfer and cycle stability.

Discover more: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2025.114322