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Categories: energy, environment

BSA 11-25: Improved, Defect-Free Electrode Materials

BNL Reference Number: BSA 11-25

Patent Status: Application Number 20130157133 was published on June 20, 2013

Summary

High-resolution transition electron microscopy image from a particle of LiFe_0.2Mn_0.8PO₄ showing a 3-nm thick carbon surface layer.

The present invention provides simple, cost effective methods for the preparation of lithium iron phosphate material that is defect-free and therefore has improved usefulness as lithium battery cathode material.

Description

A method of synthesizing defect-free phospho-olivine compound(s) having a formula LiMPO₄, where M may be one or more of the following metals: Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Mg, and Zn is disclosed. A crystal lattice of phospho-olivine having less than about 2 % defects is considered to be the defect-free crystal lattice. The method is based on direct hydrothermal synthesis of phospho-olivine compounds and heat ordering the produced compounds at or near their transition temperature to eliminate lattice defects. the method encompasses a procedure for determining and monitoring defects in the phospho-olivine phases using X-ray diffraction.

Journal Publication

• In Situ Hydrothermal Synthesis of LiFePO₄ Studied by Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction (.pdf)
• LiFe_xMn_1-xPO₄: A cathode for lithium-ion batteries (.pdf)

Press Releases

• BNL Researchers Debut New Glass Reactor to Study Battery Materials Synthesis: Path to defect-free lithium iron phosphate will improve performance

Have Questions?

For more information about this technology, contact Christine Brakel, (631) 344-7134.