Fast and Low-cost Synthesis of LiFePO4/C Composites using Fe3+ Precursor

LiFePO4 and LiFePO4/C composites were prepared by mechanical activation process using Fe3+ precursor (Fe2O3) in comparison with Fe2+ precursor (FeC2O4•2H2O). The reaction mechanism, phase composition, particle size and electrochemical performance of as-prepared materials were examined by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and galvanostatic cycling. The LiFePO4/C composites were prepared by pyrolysis of suitable organic compounds during synthesis and by in situ incorporation of carbon powder. It has been shown that using carbothermal method, a phase-homogeneous nanosized LiFePO4 is formed at temperatures ≥700°C with specific discharge capacity ~150 mAh/g at C/10 rate.