Simple and fast synthesis of LiFePO4-C composite for lithium rechargeable batteries by ball-milling and microwave heating

A very simple and rapid method for synthesizing LiFePO4-C composite has been developed by vibrant type ball-milling for 30 min and microwave heating for 2-4 min. X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy verify that well-crystallized LiFePO4 without Fe3+ impurities is obtained. From laser particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy, it is confirmed that a LiFePO4-C composite with fine and uniform particle size (mean particle size <= 0.640 mu m, D75 in volume distribution <= 0.592 mu m) and with extremely uniform carbon distribution is prepared by vibrant type ball-milling and microwave heating. The LiFePO4-C delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 161 mAh g(-1) at C/10 and shows very stable cycling behaviour. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.