Particle size distribution and electrochemical properties of LiFePO4 prepared by a freeze-drying method

The electrochemical performance of carbon-coated nanocrystalline LiFePO4 prepared by a freeze-drying method is examined. This method is based on the thermal decomposition of homogeneous phosphate-formate precursors. Structural and morphological characterization of LiFePO4 is carried out by powder XRD, BET measurements, SEM and XPS analyses. The electrochemical behaviour is tested in model lithium cells using galvanostatic mode. By changing the solution concentration, the freeze-drying method allows preparing LiFePO4 with mean particle sizes between 60 and 100 nm and different particle size distributions. The content of carbon appearing mainly on the particle surface depends on both the solution concentration and the annealing temperature. The effect of particle size distribution on the voltage profile of LiFePO4 is also demonstrated. The specific capacity is mainly determined by the amount of carbon deposited on the particle surfaces.