Synthesis Of Lithium Iron Phosphate Research Articles

The Hydrothermal Synthesis of Lithium Iron Phosphate

AbstractWell-crystalline LiFePO4 particles were successfully prepared in the temperature range between 120 and 220°C, and complete ion ordering was obtained above 175°C where the unit cell dimensions were identical to high temperature material. The use of a soluble reductant, such as sugar or ascorbic acid, was found to minimize the oxidation of the iron to ferric. The electronic conductivity was enhanced by the deposition of carbon from the sugar, or by the addition of carbon nanotubes to the hydrothermal reactor when over 90% of the lithium could be de-intercalated electrochemically. We have extended the hydrothermal synthesis method to the Mn, Co and Ni analogs as well as to the mixed phosphates, such as LiMnyFe1-yPO4.