PROCESSES FOR PREPARING LITHIUM TRANSITION METAL PHOSPHATE CATHODE MATERIALS

The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming lithium transition metal phosphate and fluorophosphate materials in a conductive carbon matrix. The disclosed methods are advantageous in utilizing inexpensive reactants, can mitigate formation of impurities during the synthesis, providing a more homogenous product, and may provide cathode materials with enhanced tap density relative to prior lithium transition metal phosphates. The lithium transition metal phosphate and fluorophosphate materials prepared by the disclosed methods are intimately mixed with carbon within a continuous, three-dimensional conductive carbon matrix. The materials prepared according to the disclosed methods are suitable for use in environments involving electrochemical reactions, for example as cathode materials within a lithium-ion battery.