Microstructure of LiXPO4 (X = Ni, Co, Mn) prepared by solid state chemical reaction

This paper reports the microstructure of LiXPO4 (X = Ni, Co, Mn) materials prepared by solid state chemical reaction. The variation in microstructure of these phospho-olivines is mainly due to a difference in the XO6 cationic octahedral environment, which is discussed using a molecular vibration model to elucidate the bonding between various structural units. A direct relationship is established between the vibrational frequencies and the second ionisation potential of the metal (X) in LiXPO4.