Process for making lithium transition metal phosphate powder for battery electrode
US7670721B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2028 |
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.