Synthesis of spherical LiMnPO4/C composite microparticles

Spherical LiMnPO4/C composite microparticles were prepared by a combination of spray pyrolysis and spray drying followed by heat treatment and examined as a cathode material for lithium batteries. The structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the resulting spherical LiMnPO4/C microparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy and standard electrochemical techniques. The final sample was identified as a single phase orthorhombic structure of LiMnPO4 and spherical powders with a geometric mean diameter of 3.65 μm and a geometric standard deviation of 1.34. The electrochemical cells contained the spherical LiMnPO4/C microparticles exhibited first discharge capacities of 112 and 130 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C at room temperature and 55 °C, respectively. These also showed a good rate capability up to 5 C at room temperature and 55 °C.

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► We could prepare LiMnPO4/C composites by a novel preparation method.
► The LiMnPO4/C composites were spherical particles with a mean diameter of 3.65 μm.
► The LiMnPO4/C composite cathode exhibited 112 mAh g−1 at 0.05 C.
► It also showed a good rate capability up to 5 C at room temperature and 55 °C.