A phytic acid derived LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4/Carbon composite of high energy density for lithium

A composite of olivine lithium manganese iron phosphate (LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4), external carbon coating and internal embedded carbon flakes, EC-IC-LMFP, is prepared by using phytic acid (PhyA) as phosphorus source via solvotherma I process followed by calcination. The composite with improved electronic conductivity and ion diffusivity presents an ultrahigh reversible specific capacity of 193 mAh g(-1) at 0.1C, and an excellent cycling stability of 93% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1C when applied as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Additionally, the composite fine powders exhibit a special microstructure and its volumetric energy density is estimated to reach 1605 Wh L-1, much larger than the commercial LiFePO4.