Self-Assembled LiFePO₄/C Nano/Microspheres by Using Phytic Acid as Phosphorus Source

A general and efficient hydrothermal strategy combined with a high-temperature carbon-coating technique has been developed for large scale synthesis of self-assembled LiFePO 4 /C nano/microspheres employing the biomass of phytic acid as a novel and eco-friendly phosphorus source. The LiFePO 4 /C nano/microspheres are investigated by SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. A reasonable assembly process of the hierarchical structure is proposed on the basis of time-dependent experimental results. Because of the unique structure, the LiFePO 4 /C nano/microspheres show a high tap density of 1.2 g cm –3, a high reversible specific capacity of 155 mA h g –1 at 0.1 C, as well as excellent rate capability and cycling performance, exhibiting great potential as superior cathode materials in lithium ion batteries. The approach for the preparation of LiFePO 4 by using PA as the phosphorus source may open new prospects for utilization of biomass to produce high performance cathode materials for lithium ion batteries.