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Synthesis of Olivine Lithium Metal Phosphate Cathode Materials

Abstract:

An improved method for the formation of lithium metal phosphate cathode material is provided. The process comprises: forming a first aqueous suspension comprising a first molar concentration of Li.sup.+ and a second molar concentration of PO.sub.4.sup.3-; forming a second aqueous suspension comprising a metal source wherein the metal source comprises at least one iron source selected from the group consisting of Fe.sub.2O.sub.3, FeOOH and Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 and an organic acid, organic alcohol or salt of an organic acid; wherein iron of the iron source is present in a third molar concentration; combining the first aqueous suspension and the second aqueous suspension and allowing a precipitate to form; drying the precipitate; and calcining the precipitate thereby forming the lithium iron phosphate cathode material having a formula represented by LiMPO.sub.4/C wherein the lithium iron phosphate cathode material comprises up to 3 wt % carbon.