Synthesis of LiFePO4 Using Fe3+ Precursors in Polyol Medium

Nano-structured olivine LiFePO4 is synthesized by a low-cost solvothermal process using Fe3+ precursors consisting of Fe-citrate and FePO4 as the starting materials. For the successful commercialization of Li-ion batteries, the cost of materials such as the precursors is the most important consideration, because the material cost is the main component. Herein, we report simple, cost-effective, reliable, and highly efficient polyol-assisted solvothermal method that results in nano-sized LiFePO4 possessing various morphologies consisting of nanoflake and orthorhombic shapes with fair electrochemical performances. The structural, physical, and electrochemical properties of the LiFePO4 samples prepared using the low-cost precursors are investigated through the use of powder X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and galvanostatic tests. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.074204jes] All rights reserved.