Synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 single-crystalline nanoplates dominated with bc-planes

Olivine LiFePO4 single-crystalline nanoplates with large exposure of bc-planes have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The thin side of LiFePO4 nanoplates is along the a-axis, differing from that along b-axis or c-axis reported previously. The thickness, width, and length of LiFePO4 nanoplates are about 20–30 nm, 120–160 nm, and 120–250 nm, respectively. The synthesis of LiFePO4 single-crystalline nanoplates dominated with bc-planes is important for understanding the growth habit of LiFePO4 crystal. After coated with carbon, the LiFePO4/C composite nanoplates exhibit good electrochemical performances with discharge capacities of 163 (0.1C), 154 (0.5C), 146 (1C), 130 (2C), and 96 mAh g− 1 (5C).

► LiFePO4 single-crystalline nanoplates have been synthesized by solvothermal method.
► The thin side of LiFePO4 nanoplates is along the a-axis.
► The LiFePO4/C composite nanoplates exhibit good electrochemical performances.