Hydrothermal synthesis of LiFePO4 particles with controlled morphology

Abstract

Lithium iron phosphate was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis using LiOH·H2O, FeSO4·7H2O, (NH4)2HPO4, and aminoterephthalic acid (ATPA) as raw materials. The effects of ATPA concentration on particle morphology and electrochemical property were investigated. The samples were characterized by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR) and elemental analysis. The results showed that the particles exhibit a rod-like morphology in the absence of ATPA. When ATPA is added to the system, the particles crystallize as hexagonal plates. An increase in the ATPA concentration leads to the formation of structures with a more complex hierarchical arrangement of structural elements. The resulting particles are expected to serve as a cathode material for industrial needs in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and other mobile or portableelectrical devices.