Performance of LiFePO4 Synthesized via Hydrothermal Route

LiFePO4 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method with the presence of glucose followed by heat treatment. The structures and morphologies of the sample were investigated by XRD, SEM and EDS, and the electrochemical properties were analyzed by galvanostatic charge-discharge test, cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance. The results demonstrate that well-crystallized LiFePO4 composed of sub-micrometered rod particle can be hydrothermally formed, glucose can decrease the grain size and heat treating can improve the conductivity of the coating carbon. LiFePO4/C synthesized at 200 degrees C/5h and subsequent 600 degrees C /2h shows the best electrochemical properties with an initial discharge capacity of 151.6 mAh.g(-1) at 0.1C rate and 126.9 mAh.g(-1) at 1C rate, and its capacity retention rate is 93.6% after 30 cycles. Cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance tests suggest that the adding glucose and heat treating decrease the electrode resistance of LiFePO4 and increase the conductivity and reversibility of LiFePO4.