Hydrothermal synthesis of LiFePO4 as a cathode material for lithium batteries

LiFePO 4 (space group: Pnma ) was prepared by hydrothermal method at 170 °C. LiFePO 4 was prepared from precursor solutions consisting of FeSO 4 · 7H 2 O, (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 , and three kinds of Li sources. LiCl, Li(CH 3 COO), and LiOH · H 2 O were used as Li sources. The pH of the precursor solution varied depending on Li source. The particle size, particle shape, and crystal texture of the obtained LiFePO 4 changed depending on pH. The electrochemical properties of the prepared LiFePO 4 were characterized as a cathode material for lithium batteries in an organic electrolyte at room temperature. The LiFePO 4 particle prepared from the precursor solution with Li(CH 3 COO) was flake-like crystal (particle size: 1–2 μm) and had a preferred crystal orientation with a (020) texture. This LiFePO 4 exhibited a discharge capacity of 147 mA h g −1 , which was 85% of the theoretical capacity 170 mA h g −1 .