Benzylamine-directed growth of olivine-type LiMPO₄ nanoplates by a supercritical ethanol process for lithium-ion batteries

Olivine-type LiMPO₄ (M = Fe, Mn, Co and Ni) cathode materials hold promise for next-generation of lithium-ion batteries and future applications as hybrid electric vehicles or electric vehicles. In lithium intercalation olivine compounds, the lithium diffusion along a channel is highly anisotropic which is mainly confined to the channel along the [010] direction. Thus, nanosheets or nanoplates with shortened Li ion diffusion distance along the [010] direction are enabled to accelerate the lithium intercalation rate and improve power density of the batteries. Herein, we report the production of high-quality thin LiMPO₄ nanoplates with exposed {010} facets by a rapid supercritical fluid processing. The unique structure of the olivine nanocrystals with a shortened Li ion diffusion pathway allows fast extraction/insertion of Li ions in the structures. Thus, the LiMPO₄ nanoplates provide high capacity and high rate capacity and excellent cyclability.