Rapid crystallization of LiFePO4 particles by facile emulsion-mediated solvothermal synthesis

Lithium iron phosphate powders were obtained by solvothermal treatments of quaternary emulsions Triton X-100/cyclohexane/n-hexanol/water at low temperature (180 degrees C), with or without stirring. Such synthesis conditions allowed for fast crystallization of pure olivine-type LiFePO4 powder, evidenced by the X-ray powder diffraction measurements and energy dispersive spectroscopy. It has been found that stirring drastically changes the morphology of LiFePO4 particles, causing a preferential crystal orientation. Also, a great difference in the morphology was demonstrated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The powder obtained after only half an hour of the dynamic solvothermal treatment, without additional post annealing, and without carbon coating, was electrochemically active, showing the discharge capacity of 115 mAh g(-1). (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.