Preparation and characterization of nano-sized LiFePO4 by low heating solid-state coordination method and microwave heating

The precursors of LiFePO4 were prepared by low heating solid-state coordination method using lithium acetate, ammonium dihydric phosphate, ferrous oxalate and citric acid as raw materials. Olivine phase LiFePO4 as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries was successfully synthesized by microwave heating in a few minutes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize its structure and morphology. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge-discharge cycling performance were used to characterize its electrochemical properties. The results showed that the grain size of the optimal sample was about 40-50 nm, and the as-prepared particles were homogeneous. The nano-sized LiFePO4 obtained has a high electrochemical capacity (125 mAhg(-1)) and stable cycle ability. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.