Patent · US Expired

Lithium transition-metal phosphate powder for rechargeable batteries

US7371482B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
6References
11Claims
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Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 2003
Grant dateMay 13, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 1, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E60/10
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Methods of manufacture and use of phosphates of transition metals are described as positive electrodes for secondary lithium batteries, including a process for the production of LiMPO4 with controlled size and morphology, M being FexCoyNizMnw, where 0≦x≦1,0≦y≦1, 0≦w≦1, and x+y+z+w=1. According to an exemplary embodiment, a process is described for the manufacture of LiFePO4 including the steps of providing an equimolar aqueous solution of Li1+, Fe3+ and PO43−, evaporating water from the solution to produce a solid mixture, decomposing the solid mixture at a temperature of below 500° C. to form a pure homogeneous Li and Fe phosphate precursor, and annealing the precursor at a temperature of less than 800° C. in a reducing atmosphere to produce the LiFePO4 powder. The obtained powders can have a particle size of less than 1 μm, and can provide superior electrochemical performance when mixed for an appropriate time with an electrically conductive powder.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.