Synthesis, characterization and application of Li3Fe2(PO4)3 nanoparticles as cathode of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries

► PVA-based gel combustion can be used to synthesize nanostructured Li3Fe2(PO4)3. ► The synthesized nanoparticles have 50 nm average diameter and 125 m2 g−1 specific surface areas. ► The synthesized Li3Fe2(PO4)3 samples have reversible redox reaction. ► The optimized Li3Fe2(PO4)3 sample acts as suitable cathodic material of lithium-ion batteries with long cycle life and 125.5 mAh g−1 high discharge capacity.