Microwave Assisted Solid State Synthesis of LiFePO4/C Using Two Different Carbon Sources.

Nano size particles LiFePO4/C were prepared by a fast, facile, and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted solid-state reaction using different organic carbon sources. The particles are very uniform and are 100-300nm in size. The effects of the carbon sources on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4/C nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical measurements and cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the LiFePO4/C nanoparticles prepared from sucrose as carbon source, has good crystallinity and higher percentage of graphitic carbon, provided an initial discharge capacity of are 145.6, 140.5 and 122.4 mAhg(-1) at 0.1,0.5 and 1.0C respectively, with excellent capacity retention. These advantages, coupled with the simple and effective preparation method, render LiFePO4/C nanoparticles attractive for practical and large-scale applications.